Updating the Bikernet Experience
Hey, Here’s the deal. We’ve worked and spent an entire year to move all Bikernet Free Content (16,000 articles) onto a fast-acting, mobile-friendly, google accessible, WordPress Platform. ...
Read More June 22, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
BILLY LANE BUILDERS BREAKFAST OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT BROKEN SPOKE IN STURGIS–As you can see, by reading the news each week, Billy is heavily involved in this industry and with our Veterans. He’s programmed a massive schedule for the Blood Sweat and Gears tour, and now he’s heading to Germany to visit our Armed Forces overseas.
Blood Sweat and Gears will rock Sturgis at the Chip, but Billy is taking a morning out to support Kids And Chrome, a charity devoted to the Rapid City Children’s Hospital and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
Tuesday morning, the 8th of August, we will have the opportunity to have breakfast with Billy and most of the industry’s master builders. You’re invited. I’m waiting tables with Darcy Betlach’s dad, Jim, and Bikernet is a Sponsor of the event. Be there, be there, be there!
“$25 buys you breakfast with the biggest, best builders ever. All in one place, at one time. The $25 ticket charge goes straight to charity. Every penny,” said Bob Illingsworth, of Kid and Chrome.
Tuesday August 8th, 2006
Broken Spoke Saloon on Lazelle
BUY TIX ONLINE for guaranteed seat and food
TIX available ONLY at:
NICK ROBERTS SPONSORS BIKERNET BONNEVILLE EFFORT-OFFERS $500 CONTINGENCY PRIZE–Here’s our new logo you can use whenever you mention my sponsorship of your bikes and/or the $500.00 prize for fastest American V-twin using Amsoil Synthetic Motorcycle Oils at Bonneville.
BRITISH COMPANY DEVELOPING COMPUTER CHIP THAT STORES MUSIC IN WOMEN’S BREASTS–This is considered a major breakthrough since women complain about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.
from Art Friedman
BIKERNET PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–Okay, the sissy bar is almost done. I have been hand fabbing this piece out of some old fender struts. The seat is on, but I still need to rivet the front half (I had to shorten this ol ’70s choppa seat 4 inches).
The fender is a fiberglass Arlen Ness fender I picked up from Big Al In New York. I had to put a new socket in before I could install the cat eye taillight and plate mount. I think it’s a big improvement over what I started with! Still got a long ways to go, but who says ya can’t chop a jap bike!
Let me know what ya think
–Pan
MRF LEADERS REPORT–The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun to finalize the details of the Motorcycle Safety Grant program set forth in the SAFETEA-LU highway legislation (PL 109-59) signed into law in August 2005.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to report NHTSA has maintained the integrity of the program as drafted by the MRF in conjunction with the US House and Senate. The program description and qualifying requirements are simple and clear cut, just as the MRF and the supporting motorcycle rights organizations intended when they lobbied the Congress to include this important program.
“The grants made available through this program are a monumental step for motorcycle safety and a tremendous accomplishment for the motorcycle rights community” remarked Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
“The MRF looks forward to working closely with motorcyclists’ rights organizations across the country to secure and implement the funds set aside by NHTSA specifically for motorcycle safety”.
The comments submitted to NHTSA by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are included below. To view or submit comments of your own visit National Highway Traffic Safety Administration BIKERNET PHOTO ART EXHIBIT OF THE WEEK AND STURGIS TIME COUNTER–43 days till we leave for Sturgis! Ride Hard, Whiplash Biker Photog DINO PETROCELLI ART EXHIBIT–World Famous Photographer Dino Petrocelli (www.dinopetrocelli.com) will be hosting an Art Exhibit on July 29, 2006, featuring the work of Pete Fischer from Star Custom Creations(www.starcustomcreations.com) and many other motorcycle builders, as well as the bands and celebrities he has photographed through the years. Dinos work has been in countless magazines and has worked for The Discovery Channel and the American Chopper show. The bike pictured named “Eclipse”, courtesy of Star Custom Creations will be one of the fine bikes on display. BUB?s T-SHIRT DESIGN–Hey Bandit, we have our design for our ’06 t-shirt and thought you might want it for your website! Please note- they are not for sale until the event (at this stage- if that changes I will let you know)…..and the image is not to be reproduced in any way. And your girl Valerie is one of the riders on the T-shirt! cheers LA CALENDAR MOTORCYCLE AUCTION FOR EXOTIC BIKES COMING TO THE SHOW–The 15th annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend, Sponsored by Bikernet.com, July 15-16th 2006 at the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach / Los Angeles, continues its extraordinary growth and success as the biggest Custom and Performance Streetbike Show in America and possibly the World focused on the custom, cruiser and high performance sport / streetbike markets. Many of the world’s top Pro and Amateur Builder street bike builders will be on hand to compete in the Performance Machine Calendar Show Bike Building Championship with a record breaking purse of our $70,000 in cash and awards. A new feature at the Show this year will be the Calendar Motorcycle Show Auction scheduled for Saturday evening at 7pm. Top motorcycle builders will have a chance to put their latest creations on the block with a Reserve Price, or move out an older Custom or Shop Rat Bike to the Best Available Bid. With Los Angeles being home to many of the most affluent bike buyers owners in America, the Calendar Motorcycle Show Auction is certain to pull some incredible bikes and bidders and will continue to grow in years to come. Among the top builder bikes up for auction at this year’s Calendar Motorcycle Show is Harold Pontarelli’s “Toxic” green chopper featured on the cover of the 2005 Iron & Lace Calendar. Additional details for entering bikes and registering to bid at the Calendar Motorcycle Show Auction are on the FastDates.com Website at http://www.fastdates.com/BIKESHOW.09MotorcycleAuction.HTM EASYRIDERS AWARDS AND MANUFACTURER’S LICENSE ACCELERATES ALBRIGHT BIKES–Broomfield, CO , 6/18/06 – After taking home a best of show award and a best radical custom honor at this years Easyrider bike show in Denver people are starting to notice Albright Bikes as a real player in the custom V-twin industry. This year’s winning bike is highlighted by handlebars, fuel tank, exhaust, belt drive, rear fender and battery tray all custom built for the Santee Rigid Frame. Performance Machine controls were modified to fit the look of the custom bars. The Springer Front End runs an 80 spoke DNA wheel with a 80/90/21Metzler front tire and rear fender hugs a Metzler 240/18 rear tire riding also on a DNA 80 spoke wheel. The 113″ S&S motor is mated to a Primo 6 Speed Transmission and breathes through a Goodson finned air filter. Other key features are stainless steel hard lines and drilled heat shields for the hand made exhaust. The custom fabrication is coated with a eye-catching cobalt blue metal flaked kandy paint job with black and silver pinstriping accents. The custom seat pan was covered by Bitchin’ Stitchin’ and the gas cap is a Mark Williams filler bung modified to work for a gas cap. The custom parts, paint, chrome and stainless pieces all work to accent the flow and unique style of this timeless bike design. Denver area riders trust Albright bikes to service and maintain their high-end custom bikes from builders such as Simms, West Coast Choppers , Bourget and Young Hot Rods And Choppers. In addition to the repair work, Scott Albright will soon release his distinct custom handlebars, belt drives, battery mounts and forward controls. These pieces will begin production this Spring and will be available to the public this fall. Albright hopes to find more time in 2006 for additional custom builds and hopefully continue his streak of Easyrider honors. If you’re interested in a custom build, original Albright accessories or need reliable service work, you can reach Albright Bikes at 303-618-5497, info@albrightbikes.com or visit their website at www.AlbrightBikes.com. BONNEVILLE PRE-ENTRY DATE JULY 4TH–The pre-entry deadline to get your forms in to save $$$$$ is fast approaching Your entry MUST be POSTMARKED by 4th July to be eligible for pre-entry pricing. Pre- enter and you get $125 off the entry price and an additional savings by getting four (4) gate/pit passes (FIM?AMA entries only, Gate passes for Run watcha Brung entries). Entry details are available on our website at http://www.speedtrialsbybub.com/2006_event/rego-06.html If you need an entry form mailed or faxed to you call me on 530-272-4310- leave your name and address of fax number and I’ll send one out right away. FIM PARTICIPANTS:- you must have you licensing and world record application into the AMA by the end of this week- please call Sue at the AMA if you have any questions. If you have not already sent in your entry form to us- you must do this in addition to your FIM paperwork. I will confirm- either by phone or email when I have received your entry form. If you have faxed or emailed your form and not received a confirmation please let me know. If you have posted it and not received a confirmation, it may still be in the mail- but feel free to contact me to check. Passes and event information etc, will be mailed to participants in early August. PLEASE REMEMBER:-You need to confirm your motorcycle number or if it is already taken you will need to change it. You have to be an AMA member. If you have applied for membership but have not got your card yet- leave it blank- you can contact me when you have your card to give me the number (we have to confirm this at the event also by seeing your card). If you are not sure of your class, or are still deciding on your class you have a few options and can still get your entry in on time: 1) Call our Scrutineer who can assist with putting your bike in the right class- Ken @ 530-477-7490 ext 211 OR event-tech@speedtrialsbybub.com 2) leave it blank and call be PRIOR to the event to fill in the details. Of course if you have any question please contact us we are happy to take your call! –Delvene A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS-Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited, Pingel Enterprises, BUB Enterprises, Bikernet.com, Potter Lumber, NRHS V-Twin Performance, Buell Bros Racing, Bennett’s Performance, Bakker Motorsports, Dealer-World.com, Nick’s Performance, Horsepower Marketing. MC ADVANTAGES FIRST DISTRIBUTOR FOR WORLD CHAMPION ROGER GOLDHAMER–With the introduction of a 2006 catalog update, MC Advantages is the firstdistributor to offer parts from World Champion Roger Goldammer of GoldammerCycle Works. The first part to be offered is the distinctive Air Time AirCleaner. This polished stainless steel breather helps to define theGoldammer look that can complement any style of bike. The Air Time isdesigned for 40mm CV carbs and Delphi? EFI units. It can also bolt onto S&S?and Mikuni? carbs with an adapter from MC Advantages. See your local MCAdvantages dealer or log on to www.MCAdvantages.comhttp://www.MCAdvantages.com today. MC Advantages MORE ON ROSE BOWL BIKE SHOW THIS WEEKEND–You already know that the Rose Bowl BikeFest (June 24th – 25th) SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM is going to be THE V-Twin Experience of the year, and your friends at LifeStyle Cycles are going to make it even better by having INCREDIBLE DEALS at the show! How incredible? Let’s just say we have a show special on SAXON MOTORCYCLES that’s so crazy, we can’t even print it. How about checking out the 2006 line of AMERICAN IRONHORSE bikes? They’ll be there, as well as the new line from BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES and a surprise line of motorcycles we haven’t even announced yet! The bottom line is you will not want to miss this show! We’ll also be doing a live engine swap on stage with S&S CYCLES on Saturday, installing a ProCharger Supercharger system on a bike Sunday, and on BOTH DAYS, we’ll be having the popular LifeStyle Cycles FASHION SHOW, featuring some of the hottest girls and coolest guys around. And you still have time to come into LifeStyle Cycles and get a FREE LifeStyle Cycles VIP Parking band. SEE YOU AT THE ROSE BOWL BIKEFEST! AVON BOBBER PROJECT ROLLING–Well, my ‘bobber’ project is coming along finally.The frame showed up yesterday and the motor, transmission and ton of other stuff should be here in a few days.Once I get the build started I’ll be sure to update you with photos and all that stuff. It should be pretty damn cool when it’s all done. The front end I’m using is super trick.It came off my old Husaberg Supermoto race bike, Marzocchi 50mm conventional with billet clamps. Of course the lowers will be painted black. –John Leach – Sales / Racing Support NEW FROM TWISTED CHOPPERS–check out this little sled the TC crew just finished.Too bad the girl has her clothes on…. –Ken ILLINOIS BIKERS GO TO COURT TO PROTECT SAFETY FUNDS– Illinois motorcyclists, tipped off by state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, have sought to block Governor Rod Blagojevich from using biker safety funds to bolster the state budget. An aide to Topinka, Blagojevich’s Republican challenger, acknowledged alerting ABATE of Illinois that the governor intended to transfer specially earmarked motorcycle safety money to the state’s general bank account.. ABATE went to Sangamon County Circuit Court to prevent the Democratic governor from transferring money in the funds set aside for biker safety and training. Money in those funds comes from motorcycle registration fees and other surcharges paid by bikers. The group argued the governor lacks the constitutional authority to transfer the funds. Aides to the governor said state lawmakers approved the fund transfers, which gave Blagojevich the authority to move the money. A lawyer for the state told the court the money is needed to pay bills, and that the money transfers, totaling about $90 million from a number of specially earmarked funds, are part of the overall budget plan. A spokeswoman from the governor’s office criticized the state Treasurer’s long-standing opposition to fund transfers; “If Treasurer Topinka had her way, special interest funds would continue to sit unused year after year, serving no purpose whatsoever.” Recently in Ohio, the Office of Budget and Management proposed transferring $750,000 from the state’s Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund for other purposes, but motorcyclists’ rights organizations throughout Ohio successfully persuaded the Ohio Controlling Board to deny the raid on this rider-supported fund. Continued On Page 4
400 Seventh Street S.W.
Nassif Building, Room PL – 401
Washington, D.C. 20590
mailto:soffordphotos@comcast.net 
Del
Event Manager
International Motorcycle Speed Trials by BUB Information
www.speedtrialsbybub.com
PH: 530 272 4310
FAX: 530 477 7489
Email: eventinfo@speedtrialsbybub.com
1-800-726-9620
http://www.MCAdvantages.com
June 22, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
VINCE GOODEVE AIRBRUSH TECHNIQUES BY WOLFGANG PUBLICATIONS–Wolfgang Publications, Longtime publisher of how-to books, has released:Professional Airbrush Techniques with Vince Goodeve
Written by well-known Airbrush artist Vince Goodeve, this new book uses 144 pages and over 500 color images to explain a lifetime’s worth of learning. Follow Vince through multiple photo sequences that explain his choice of color, sense of design and preference for tools and materials.
Early chapters explain shop set up and preparations of the metal canvas. Ten start-to-finish sequences walk the reader through Vince’s airbrush work with both motorcycles and cars. Projects include simple graphics as well as complex and intricate designs. Accustomed to teaching, Vince’s style is easy to understand, while his enthusiasm for the airbrush makes the text easy to follow. Vince Goodeve is an artist with great how-to help for all airbrush artists – whether beginner or advanced.
Pro Airbrush Techniques, 144 pages, 100% color, $24.95Available for $24.95 + $5.50 S&H, this 144 page all-color book can be purchased from Wolfgang Publications, 217 Second Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Order by phone at the 24 hour order line: 651-275-9411 or on the web at www.wolfpub.com.
Join the Bikernet Free Contest/Door Prize area, quick. We’re going to be giving away several Wolfgang books including this one. I guarantee your odds are better than state lotteries.–Bandit
BIKERNET READER FIGHTS NOISE POLICE–Dude,I live in New Hope. PA, every week end there must be 100 bikes parked on main street . Small little artsy artsy town 1 sq mile on the Delaware river, north of Philly. Great bike riding area on a river road.
I bought a ’72 super glide new when I came home from Nam, just sold it last year. Anyway the city fathers have a noise law now because dick heads (mostly dudes on $50,000 bikes), sit on their bikes and rev their fricking straight pipe machines either parked or sitting at one of two traffic lights in town, because they think it sounds cool. That in a nut shell is the problem — dumb asses ruin it for us all.
–Michael
This is a constant dilemma, so Bikernet performed and Independent noise study to point out both sides of the issue. The completed study is available to anyone who needs to share the motorcyclists’ side of the issue with their communities. It’s available to all in our Special Reports section under political issues. Michael printed it out and took it to the city fathers. He’s currently doing life for pissing them off.–Bandit
KEEP WRENCHIN’ TIL IT’S FIXED– At the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Best of the West Conference in Prescott Arizona this weekend a great story about maintaining our motorcycle freedoms was told that I will relay to you.
As the story goes an old time biker had as long as anyone could remember always hung around ABATE. He seldom missed a meeting, a run, or a party but never got involved in the legislative activities saying others were much better than he at doing that sort of thing. Well after years of trying they finally got him to agree to attend a letter writing party, most likely because of the free beer they figured.
He did show, surprising the others, and he did write a letter highlighting his concerns about the latest motorcycling issue and shortly thereafter got a polite response. You know the one that says thanks for your interest however you’re dead wrong. That supported his feelings that writing letters and getting involved didn’t really work for him. The local members stayed on him and after about two months he broke down and came to another letter writing party only this time he wrote it “biker style”. This shouldn’t come as a surprise that he never did get a response to his second letter, and that cemented his belief that he wasn’t cut out for this type of thing.
The old time biker then fell off the face of the earth and nobody had seen him for several months so they decided to take a ride out to his place. They found him in the garage with a few parts lying around. When he was questioned about his absence, he said he was wrenchin’ on his bike and just didn’t have time to come around anymore. After they worked on him for a while he did commit that when he got his ride fixed he would eventually come around again.
Some time passed and having still not seen the biker show someone rode out to his place again and this time he had parts absolutely everywhere and his bike completely torn down. He said he had wrenched on his bike and got it going but he wasn’t happy with it so he decided to tear it down and wrench on it some more until he got it just right.
Seeing a correlation the quick thinking local ABATE rep. took the opportunity to drive a point home. He looked at the old biker and said you know after just a few letters you gave up on the legislative process, but with your bike you’re willing to spend hundreds of hours tearing down a bike and wrenchin’ on it until it runs just right. And you’ll do it more than once. He went on to say, our freedom as a biker is just like wrenchin’ on a bike. It takes hundreds of hours. You do it several times, and won’t compromise until it is just right. It’s simply that important.
The story has a great ending. The old biker not only showed up at the next meeting but suggested they all come to his place for the next letter writing session. And to continue the story he now can be seen regularly lobbying at their State Capital and has even served as an ABATE rep. for a time.
So you see the moral of the story here is that our freedom is just like our bikes. You gotta keep wrenchin’ on it, over and over, until you get it right and sometimes it doesn’t come easy.
BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE–Lucky Les here, putting the word out about The 2006 PACIFIC NORTHWEST SKIN N STEEL EXPO. This is going to be an event like the northwest has never seen. Hardcore Custom Motorcycles , Hot Ink from the industries wildest tattoo artists , and Vendors from all over the place displaying all types of Motorcycle and Body Modification merchandise.
THIS IS GOING TO BE A HUGE EVENT! CHECK OUT OUR FULL PAGE AD IN JUNE PAIN MAG
AND OUR HALF PAGE ADD IN THE JULY ISSUE OF THE NORTHWEST EDITION OFQUICKTHROTTLE MAGAZINE
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE. FEEL FREE TO GIVE US SOME FEEDBACK.SPONSORSHIP SPACE STILL AVAILABLE.(SEE THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO). OUR NEXT OUR
Skin N Steel Presents, Inc.
LUCKY LES
ROWDY RON
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
www.skinnsteelexpo.com
BIKER FOLK HERO, CHARLIE BRECHTEL–“The soul of the American biker and the music of Charlie Brechtel are truly one and the same…”
There is a history, a legacy and a brotherhood that comprise the soul of the American biker. Those are also the elements that separate the music of Charlie Brechtel from any other musician or band who aim their talents at the motorcycling community.
With Charlie it’s all about reality. It’s about what actually goes on –and has gone on– within the inner circle of America’s last breed of folk heroes. Charlie doesn’t just play the kind of rockin’ blues that is the perfect soundtrack to this way of life; Charlie takes his listeners into a world that was begun in America’s post WWII years, screamed through the 50s and 60s and has evolved into one of the most powerful and envied sub-cultures that this country has ever produced.
His tribute tunes are becoming legendary. His music pays homage to the biker lifestyle in a way that no other musician has ever done. Charlie Brechtel weaves the personalities who pioneered this way of life into the heart of all of his songs. Men like Sonny Barger, Wino Willie Forkner, the Bravo Brothers…vintage bikes like the Indian…biker Meccas like Sturgis, Hollister and the Buffalo Chip…all supply the ever-sharp edge to the music of Charlie Brechtel.
Charlie’s roots extend back to his hometown of New Orleans…the tradition of that town…the power…the feel…it’s all there…it’s deep within the blood. He’s played with Gregg Allman and John Lee Hooker and a host of others…his CDs feature some of the best musicians in blues and rock ‘n roll today…he’s played Sturgis, Love Ride 21, Easyriders, Las Vegas Bikefest and countless other major biker events and venues…The soul of the American biker and the music of Charlie Brechtel are truly one and the same…
check out charlie’s music at http://www.big7productions.com/soundclips.htm
NEW FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE TAG LAW–This Florida Tag law does nothing for motorcyclist. Making Rider Education Mandatory is a money-making adventure for those looking to gain from the popularity of motorcycles.
Though I am In Favor or Motorcycle Rider Education I Am Against Making It Mandatory.LOOK at the prices that are being charged for classes. What Has Happened to the MONEY That is added to every License Fee that is suppose to Go To Education.These Courses Should Be Free To Who Ever Wants To Take Them
Those That Say They Are For Safety Should NOT BE MAKING MONEY FROM IT!!!!!!MOTORCYCLIST NEED TO CONTACT THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS and Let Them Know If They Vote For This They Will NOT GET THE BIKER VOTE.
Florida — A new piece of legislation will be law by the time this article goes to press. Motorcycle riders in the state of Florida between the ages of 16 and 21, will be required to purchase a tag for the motorcycles they own, that is a different color from the rest of the motorcycle population. This tag would make underage riders easily identified by local law enforcement.
Aside from the obvious issues concerning the processing, cost and inconvenience of changing tags, is one of law enforcement being able to match underage riders with helmet usage, or the lack thereof, at a glance. (Profiling?) The rationale for introducing separate tags for the 16 to 21 year old, motorcycle rider is a direct result of the number of underage riders who died in crashes over the past few years, who were not wearing the required helmet. Although these individuals were riding illegally, there is no data indicating if age or experience level was a factor in those crashes or if the usage of a regulation helmet would have had any impact on the eventual outcome.
The case against a separate tag, for motorcycles registered by riders under twenty-one, is the ease by which the rule can be circumvented. The registered owner of a motorcycle and the person riding the bike are not necessarily the same person. A motorcycle, owned by a person over twenty-one, could easily be ridden by an underage rider. The tag would not alert anyone to the matter and there does not appear to be anything illegal with this scenario. The current rules for underage riders would remain in place.
On the surface, this doesn’t appear to be a big deal. Ok, underage riders have to wear helmets, so now they have a tag identifying their age. If you obey the laws there is no problem. What’s one more law? But, who are the kids who will follow the rules? Probably the same ones who followed the rules before the change! Who will circumvent the regulations? More than likely, the same ones who broke the laws that caused the change in the first place. So, what has been accomplished, besides another paper chase and a bit of profiling? Stay tuned?
Another piece of legislation that is likely to be signed into law deals with rider training. There are a number of questions on how this one will work and what will be entailed in fulfillment of the requirements. At first glance, this bill would require all new riders, regardless of age, to complete a basic rider training course before they would be eligible for their motorcycle endorsement. Currently, the course is only mandatory for those under eighteen. It appears those riders who already have the “motorcycle also” endorsement on their operator license would be grand fathered into the system. The bill has also been tied to the registration of new motorcycles. Before registering a newly purchased motorcycle, the rider would be required to show proof of the successful completion of a basic rider course.
The rationale from lawmakers is wrapped up in the number of riders killed on Florida roads. Without specific numbers sited, the mandated rider training supports the idea that many of the riders have been killed or injured riding motorcycles are inexperienced or lack proper training. Tying this basic rider training to endorsements and motorcycle registrations would bring dealers into the accountability loop for rider training. At the very least it would make all parties more conscious of a riders ability to handle a particular machine, before they take to the streets.
In a recent survey, conducted by ABATE of Florida, Inc., the vast majority of experienced riders expressed a desire to see new riders complete basic rider training before getting on a motorcycle. However, there are several issues involved in this new legislation that should send red flags up for all of us. If basic rider training is required for everyone who applies for a motorcycle endorsement or to purchase a motorcycle, everyone will eventually need to take the coarse, regardless of how long they have been riding. No such training is required for a new car driver to obtain a drivers license and you need not be a licensed driver to buy a car.
If a basic rider class is required for motorcycle endorsement eligibility or to purchase a motorcycle, and this class continues to be given by private businesses, without a cap on the provider charge for the class, what is to keep the cost from being driven by supply and demand? Classes currently cost between $180, to over $300. The training centers process around 33,000 riders per year. With the training becoming mandatory, those sites would be processing over 100,000 riders per year just for new endorsements. With 6 to 8 week wait times currently experienced in some metropolitan areas, the demand for the classes could send the enrolment fees through the roof, making them unattainable for the average person.
By accepting these mandates from our state government, what is to keep them from requiring basic rider classes to obtain a motorcycle, learning permit, advanced training for an endorsement and a masters riding class to purchase a motorcycle over 1000cc’s? The precedent has already been established. Each of these classes could have mandated waiting periods of 12 to 18 months and cost upwards of $1,500, as is currently the case in much of Europe.
Do we apply freedom of choice only to helmet issues? Are we willing to let our government take over when personal responsibility is ignored by some, ignorance practiced by others and disregard for public safety becomes common place? We can stand back and watch our motorcycles and our life style, legislated into nonexistence? Or, we can vote out the lawmakers who have no regard for personal freedoms and educate our people and the public on motorcycle related issues.
We’ve fought the helmet issues for so long. Now, when it looks like we might have gotten a few to understand that it is not the helmet, but the right to make personal choices that is at stake, our government throws out another mandate that appears to be “FOR OUR OWN GOOD”. What may appear to be a move toward making motorcycle riding safer could be the open door for the restrictions and control we have fought so long to prevent. The proverbial “wolf in sheep’s clothing” is again knocking at our door. We can open the door or choose to regard these pieces of legislation as the threat they are while we still can.
–ABATE of Florida, Inc.
P.O. Box 2520
DeLand, FL 32172
–Cyndi von Bulow
Public Relations Office
mailto:abateflpr@yahoo.com
386.760.6610
SEMINOLE HARDROCK ROAD HOUSE ALIVE AND WELL–Our next Roadhouse isn’t until BiketoberFest at Destination Daytona; thenthe Christmas Toys in the Sun Run in Ft. Lauderdale where we’ll fly in thefive semi-finalists and give one of the bikes away. Our builders will leadthe 60,000 + bike parade down 25 miles of highway!
People have got to enter to win on the website at hrroadhouse.com! Only wayto win is enter.
–Carrie Repp
R&R Promotions
LIFESTYLE CYCLES RIDES TO ROSE BOWL SHOW–It’s finally here! The ride of the year! This Saturday, June 24th, join us for LifeStyle Cycles Ride to the Rose Bowl BikeFest! Your friends from American IronHorse and the AIR (American IronHorse Riders) Group will be sponsoring a huge free breakfast and giving away some cool T-shirts. We’ll have music, raffles, giveaways and much more! Don’t miss out … this will be the ride of the year to the event of the year!
It all happens at LifeStyle Cycles at 8:00AM that morning for free registration and the IronHorse-sponsored breakfast! The store will be open too, so you can get that last minute riding gear or cool accessory for the trek over to Pasadena for the motorcycle experience of a lifetime … the Rose Bowl BikeFest!
If you haven’t done so already, please RSVP to let us know if you and a passenger will attend (we gotta make those last minute plans for breakfast, you know). This is going to be a GREAT ride!
Here’s the date and times:
Saturday, June 24th
8AM: LifeStyle Cycles store opens, Free Ride
Registration and American IronHorse breakfast begins.
9:59AM: KICKSTANDS UP!
ROLLIN SIXES CUSTOM CHOPPERS COMES TO BIKERNET–I’m Ellis owner of Rollin’ Sixes Choppers North. Jerry told me he talked to you the other day about the parts. He told me to send you a part a week for the Bikernet News. I’m not the best on a computer so I hope if what I send is wrong just let me know. I don’t know how to size the pics he said you need jpeg 1meg.
Not sure if they are 1meg or not. I’ll have one of my buddies stop by and set me straight on how to change the pic sizes, if they are wrong and send it over again. Just wanted to get on this and send it over to you.
Rollin Sixes Grips — Grab hold of sensational style for your bike with show polished CNC machinedbillet grips from Rollin? Sixes Choppers. It’s like having four grips in one. Our gripsfeature interchangeable end caps. Choose from four designs: Maltese-Cross, Ace ofSpades, Nautical Star and Dome Style.
Our grips fit models from 1973 to present withsingle or dual throttle cable. Grips for internal throttles are also available.
–Ellis
rollinsixescustomchoppers@yahoo.com
We welcome news, new bikes and new products from shops all over the world. We post two Bikernet news columns a week, so the world will see the shit weekly. –Bandit
BIKERNET JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK-DYNA MAIN TRANS CASE BEARING TOOL No. 987– Use on all 2006 to present Dyna Trans.Use this tool to safely install a new main trans case bearing by using hand tools. Tool will hold bearing square to its bore, eliminating any marring of the bearing bore. This tool is used in the same manner as JIMS Tool No.35316-80 that you’ve been using for years.
FROM THE BIKERNET MONASTERY–Lost on a rainy night, a nun stumbles across a monastery and requests shelter there. Fortunately, she’s just in time for dinner and was treated to the best fish and chips she’s ever had.
After dinner, she goes into the kitchen to thank the chefs.
She is met by two brothers, “Hello, I’m Brother Michael and this is Brother Charles.”
“I’m very pleased to meet you. I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful dinner. The fish and chips were the best I’ve ever tasted. Out of curiosity, who cooked what”?
Brother Charles replied, “Well, I’m the fish friar.”
She turns to the other brother and says, “Then you must be”?
“Yes, I’m the chip monk.”
–from CarlR
FLAMED LED MIRROR ASSEMBLIES–Adding to their rapidly growing line of crowd stopping custom accessories, Aeromach recently introduced these wayyyyy different Oval Mirrors set on Flamed LED stems. Cool or what!
Mirror and flamed stem assemblies are CNC machined from 6061-T6 extruded billet aluminum which is fully polished and flawlessly chrome plated. Flamed stems are fit with an amber LED board and 25 amber lights designed to wire into your bike’s running and turn signal circuits. Wires are run through the stem so they can be routed inside handlebars.
Sold in pairs, these awesome LED MIRROR assemblies are available with OVAL and FLAMED OVAL head units and can be purchased to fit directly to stock Harleys, American Iron Horse and American Customs as well as aftermarket levers from PM, Ness and Jay Brake.
Mirror head dimensions are 2.5″ H x 5.25″ L and the stems are 3.5″ H x 5″ L. For complete details contact Aeromach Manufacturing at 800-990-9392 or catch them on the Web at
Continued On Page 3
June 22, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
We’re scrambling through the news. It’s a good one and it’s been a strange day. We tried to dodge the phones, but no luck. Several important calls came it regarding Bonneville and bike projects. Some of our powder work will be completed tomorrow. I’m anxious to work on these bastards. Shit, we’re burnin’ daylight.
So let’s jump directly into the news. By the end, maybe I’ll calm down some and have something wild, wicked, or wanton to add. Let’s hope so:
BUNT’S GOES 400- BIG–Wellings Engineering, the Birmingham (United Kingdom) based prototype shop has released details of it’s latest project.the widest motorcycle rear tyre in the world! Measuring a massive 400mm the tyre incorporates the Wellings bike relatedtradename of Bunt’s as the tread pattern.
Not intended for production, the tyre is the latest example of the company’scapabilities to produce ultra realistic concept models. Says owner Syd Wellings, “Normally I produce working prototypes and concept models for the trade, but I had the urge to produce this item to demonstrate one of the wide range of materials I work with”. Although the tyre couldn’t be used on the street, it looks and feels like a real tyre. This particular tyre is destined for a Bunt’s concept bike wrapped around a trick, three-piece, carbon fibre/cast aluminium wheel.
Syd Wellings
Wellings Engineering
18 Wainwright Street
Aston
Birmingham
B6 5TJ
United Kingdom
tel : +44 (0)121 328 4400
fax : +44 (0)121 328 4433
e-mail : syd@wellings-eng.demon.co.uk
BILLY LANE VISITS TROOPS IN GERMANY–ARLINGTON, Va. – Custom bike builder Billy Lane will depart on his first USO tour to Germany June 30. During the six-day tour, Lane will spend time with service members and their families at Vogelweh Military Complex as well as participate in July 4th celebrations at Spangdahlem Air Force Base, Baumholder Army Base and Ramstein Air Base. This tour is co-sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment.
Lane has a long-standing respect for the armed forces. During a recent tour of bike rallies across the country, documented in the recently released DVD “Blood Sweat & Gears,” Lane gave custom bikes to four service members. In addition, he has written two books, “Chop Fiction” and “How to Build Old School Choppers and Bobbers.”
After graduating from college with a degree in mechanical engineering, Lane started working on motorcycles and making custom bike parts for his friends as gifts. The demand for Lane’s specialty parts led to the formation of Choppers Inc. in 1995. Lane’s bikes and parts also have been featured in numerous magazines and have won several awards. Lane holds 7 patents in the US.
Since 1941, USO celebrity entertainment has played an essential role in boosting troop morale. With a handshake, signed autograph or simple conversation, entertainers are conveying the thanks of a grateful nation. Some performers who have participated in recent USO tours include Master P and Lil’ Romeo, Toby Keith, Gary Sinise, Chely Wright, Montgomery Gentry and La Mafia. Tours are sponsored by AT&T, Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.
BILL WALL LEATHER NEW WEB SITE–Somehow you ended up on our VIP email list. This is the first time we have used it.We just launched a new website update that includes over 50 new items. Check it out at http://www.billwallleather.com… or not.
Cheers!
-Keith
BILL WALL LEATHER, INC.
PENCIL BANDIT ART FROM ENGLAND–Please find attached a pencil drawing of Mr K Randall “Bandit” Ball, taken from an image in an earlier Easy Rider magazine. Hope he likes my work ! If you want to view other pieces of my art please go to http://www.lazylivingstudios.com
I work hand in hand with Aardvark Choppers and we are both based in Northamptonshire, England. Fantastic magazine, easily the best on the market.
Keep up the good work
Regards – Kevin Ash
BILLY LANE RUMOR CONTROL–Bandit- Got any news on Billy Lane’s 3rd hublesschopper going up in flames at Laconia? Hope he wasn’thurt! That would suck!
Thanks man, and as always keepup the good work!
–Steve
We immediately contacted our East Coast Bikernet correspondent, TBear. Here’s his report. “Yes indeed-de-do.Seems that a weld on the gas tank may have cracked.I’ll be with Billy this weekend and I’ll try to get the true skinny.At lease no one was hurt, except maybe their pride.Such is life in the “Fast Lane”.
–Bandit
HAWAIIAN KUSTOM FAB REPORT–Wasn’t to sure if you were going to be in town, during the July 2nd show.Roger and I wanted to invite you and Nyla to our get together at theShop on Saturday July 1st. It will start around 6:00 PM. Just let us know ifyou will be able to make it, we are trying to put together a head count.
Also while I have you attention, we didn’t want to inconvenience you, butRoger and myself are planning to take the Fusion bike to the LA Calendarshow, and was wondering if we could stop over on that Saturday night beforethe show, and crash at shop.
P.S check out the newest, it not done in photo but it will be by the July2nd show.
–Darren
The Fusion bike, featured on Bikernet, will be housed at the Bikernet headquarters previous to the LA Calendar show. The crew from Kustom Fab will be trapped inside.–Bandit
DETROIT BIKER SURVEY–Hey Freedom Fighters…We are winning the Detroit News poll! Vote now! And call the Guv: 517-373-3400 Please respond to this Det. News survey at the web site below
www.detnews.com
And send the article from the News to all your friends who have open minds and ask them to vote too!Thanks Jim Rhoades for all your hard work. ABATE members be proud!
–Al (hawgman) Salmi
Legislative Officer, Region 17, ABATE of MI
Rapid River, MI
PARADISEBIKEFEST BIG MIKE GIVE-AWAY– Big Mike of BMC Choppers will give a away a custom built BMC rolling bobber chassis at Hawaiian Chopper Magazine’s Paradise BIkefest on Sunday, July 2nd. “Hawaii has a special place in my heart, so when Steve [Kalnasy] asked me to be a sponsor, giving away a rolling chassis seemed like a good way to get involved,” said Big Mike. Joining sponsors like Pasha Hawaii, Budweiser, Pacific Rim Cycle, Avon Tyres, all of Oahu’s Harley dealers, and a host of other local and national sponsors, Big Mike will be on hand for Hawaii’s largest bike rally.
Along with Big Mike, Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off winner Harold Pontarelli will be on hand for the weekend’s activities, and other well known celebrities, such as Monster Garage’s Big Schwag, The legendary Sugar Bear, the Chopper Freak Jose De Miguel, and Great Hawaiian Biker Build-Off competitors Roger Kuwahara of Hawaii’s Kustom Fab Choppers and Shannon Aikau of Las Vegas’ Count’s Kustoms will be on hand to show their bikes, and hang out.
Before the gates open at Kapiolani Community College at 12:00pm, a memorial ride will be held in honor of Johnny “Chop” Vasko, and Jimmy Aikau of Count’s Kustoms. Registration for the ride will begin at 7:30am on Sunday, July 2nd, and leave Cycle City Harley-Davidson at 9:00am for surfing legend Eddie Aikau’s memorial at Waimea Bay. After a brief ceremony (est. 10:00am), riders will head to KCC for a biker party that few will be able to forget.
A $15.00 entry fee ($10.00 advance) will be charged at the door, and anyone wishing to join either the ride-in bike show/contest, or tattoo contest can do so for a registration fee of $25.00 (includes entry into the event). Cool prizes wll be given away for the contests. We will also feature a bikini model search showing off some of the finest women in Hawaii, and live musical entertainment featuring the hard rockin rythyms of Hawaii’s own Big Dawg, and Big Head/Warner Bros. Records artist Kevin McKay of the Warren Commission will display some of the best harmonica every displayed.
If you are interested in registering for any of the contests, or you just want more info on the event, visit www.paradisebikefest.com, or call 808-780-2998.
Tickets are on sale at Pacific Rim Cycle, South Seas Harley-Davidson, Cycle City, Grumpy’s Kustoms, Kustom Fab Choppers, Rosa’s Ice Tee, Mikey’s Speed Shop, Military ticket outlets (Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Schofield Army Base), by phone at 808-550-TIKS (8457), or at www.honoluluboxoffice.com.
Hope to see you there!!!
Steve Kalnasy
Editor/Publisher
Hawaiian Chopper Magazine
BIKERNET DEVELOPS SPECIAL WELDING BENCH VISE–Sculpture Master, Jeff Decker, came by the shop and snooped in all the drawers. He nodded at a few things, with acceptance in his eyes, but when he saw the tilting vice on my welding table he stopped. “That’s a nice piece,” Jeff said. “It shouldn’t be used there or under a torch.”
That stuck in my mind, besides it was too small to handle most heavy jobs. So last weekend we built this job out of Donnie’s old lathe and milling machine brackets and another vice. It works even better, tilts and turns in any direction.-Bandit.
ESTOK AND BUELL DOMINATE ASRA THUNDERBIKE RACE AT TOPEKA– TOPEKA, Kan. (June 18, 2006) – Veatch Motorsports rider Dave Estok rode a Buell Firebolt XB12R to set the pole position, lead every lap and win the American SportBike Racing Association (ASRA) Thunderbike National at the Heartland Park Topeka road course. Ed Key finished second on a Suzuki, followed by Blue Springs H-D/Buell rider Walt Sipp, also aboard a Buell Firebolt.
Estok, the defending National Thunderbike champion, was top qualifier for the event with a lap of 1:48.335 on the newly repaved 2.5-mile Heartland Park Topeka Grand Prix Course. At the start of the 10-lap Thunderbike National, BMW rider Nate Kern grabbed the lead with Estok in pursuit. Estok passed Kern to lead the first lap and then rode away from the field.
Behind Estok, however, a fierce battle was waged by Hal’s H-D/Buell-Hal’s Speed Shop rider Dan Bilansky and H-D/Buell of Frederick rider Bryan Bemisderfer, both on Buell Firebolts, plus Kern and Key, as the four riders swapped positions for seven laps. Bemisderfer overcooked the entrance to Turn 1 on the second lap, rolling onto the paved run-off area, and then battled back through the field to rejoin the group racing for second position. Bilansky dropped out on lap seven with a mechanical problem, and Kern left the race on lap eight, also with a mechanical problem. On the ninth lap, while in second place, Bemisderfer crashed and fell at the entrance of the backstretch chicane. He managed to pick up and ride his Buell out of the muddy infield and get back on the track to finish the race in fifth.
“All the action was behind me today,” said Estok. “After the first lap, I just put my head down, and when I finally looked back, nobody was there. I really want to win this championship for Veatch Motorsports. And I feel like we’ve got some momentum going into VIR.”
Hal’s Speed Shop/Spyder Leatherworks.com rider Paul James rode a Buell Firebolt to fourth. Buell riders Greg Avello (Badger Motorsports/Hal’s Speed Shop), Sam Rozynski (Sound Waves/Hal’s Speed Shop) and David Myers (Delta Dist./Wynn’s Pro Products) finished sixth, seventh and tenth respectively.
Buell racers also took four wins and 8 podium finishes during the Championship Cup Series support races at Heartland Park. Estok nabbed a win in CCS Expert Thunderbike, while Bemisderfer won in CCS Expert SuperTwins. Racine Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Thomas Michels won the CCS Amateur Lightweight F40 and Amateur SuperTwins classes with his Buell Cyclone M2. And on Friday, in the ASRA Team Challenge endurance event, Team Fat Boy riders James and Avello won the GT Lights class and finished seventh overall on a Firebolt XB9R.
With his fifth-place finish, Bemisderfer takes over the lead in Thunderbike season points from Kern. After four of eight races, Bemisderfer has 100 points, followed by Kern with 95, Estok with 94, and Bilansky with 85. The next race on the eight-round ASRA Thunderbike National schedule is June 24-25 at Virginia International Raceway near Alton, Va.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES WITH “SCHOOLS OUT; OLD SKOOL, NEW SCHOOL, ALL(s)KOOL” MOTORCYCLE THEMED EXHIBIT TO BE HELD AT THUNDER ROAD, COINCIDING WITH STURGIS BIKE WEEK 2006–STURGIS, S.D.- The journey continues with Michael Lichter’s motorcycle themed art exhibition at Thunder Road in Sturgis S.D., coinciding with Sturgis Bike Week 2006, a gathering of several hundred thousand bikers in the Black Hills region of South Dakota each August. In the five previous years the exhibition has been held at the Journey Museum in Rapid City; the change of venues to Thunder Road will allow access to more motorcycle enthusiasts.
“School’s Out; Old Skool, New School, All(s)Kool,” will examine the often over-used terms “Old Skool” and “New School” with an art exhibit featuring custom motorcycles, as well as motorcycle themed photography and painting. 24 of the most widely recognized motorcycle builders in the industry will display bikes showcasing their individual approaches and innovative design ideas, which encompass both new and old school styling. The art on the walls will feature four artists closely tied to the motorcycle world. Timothy White will be exhibiting photography from his recent book on Indian Larry, art that reflects on their years of friendship, shared times in New York, and many road trips. Joe Richardson, who has painted many of Billy Lane’s customs, will be debuting a 15′ wide interactive sculpture along with some traditionally striped panels. Robert Pradke, who is known for the “chemical skin art” he has applied to many of Indian Larry’s bikes, will display pinstriping, flames, flakes, and candies applied to everything from metal to organic surfaces. Michael Lichter, who has been documenting the “biker lifestyle” in the pages of Easyriders magazine since the 1970’s will display photographic prints from his archive. Together, the bikes, photography, and painting in “School’s Out” will explore whether “Old Skool” and “New School” are still appropriate terms, or if the world of custom bike building has moved to a point where these styles have blended together, and the new mix is “All Kool”.
Motorcycle builders in the exhibit include, Aaron Greene (Paramount Customs,) Arlen Ness (Arlen Ness Enterprises, CA,) Bill Dodge (Blings Cycles, NJ,) Billy Lane (Choppers Inc., FL,) Brian Klock (Klockworks, SD,) Cory Ness (Arlen Ness Enterprises, CA,) Dave Perewitz (Cycle Fab, MA,) Donnie Smith (Donnie Smith Custom Cycles, MN,) Eddie Trotta (Thunder Cycles, FL,) Hank Young (Young Choppers and Hotrods, GA,) Indian Larry (an original Indian Larry custom, NY,) Indian Larry Legacy (Paul Cox & Keino Sasaki, NY,) Jerry Covington (Covington’s Cycle City, OK,) Kendall Johnson (Kendall Johnson Customs, NC,) Kim Suter (K. C. Creations, KS,) Kirk Taylor (Custom Design Studios, CA,) Mark Warrick (Soncy Road Speed & Custom, TX,) Michael Prugh (Independent Cycle Inc., SD,) Paul Yaffe (Paul Yaffe Originals, AZ,) Roland Sands (Roland Sands Design Inc., CA,) Steve Broyles (Stevenson’s Cycle, MI,) Twisted Choppers (Jason Kangas & Kai Morrison, SD,) Vince Doll (Redneck Engineering, SC,) and Warren Lane (The Neighborhood King, FL.)
Michael Lichter’s past exhibitions like Kick Start (’03,) Bob’s Back (’04,) and Speed Demons (’05,) at the Journey Museum, were very successful and covered by many US motorcycle publications including Easyriders, American Iron, V-Twin, Thunder Press, many foreign publications and newspapers. Past exhibits were also featured on television on the Discovery Channel, Speed Channel, OLN, Travel Channel, and local area TV stations. The move to Thunder Road in Sturgis this year is expected to attract even more visitors than in the past.
The “School’s Out” exhibition, which has been made possible by the generous support of Danny Gray Seats, Metzeler Tires and Sturgis Bike Week Productions, will be open to the public on Saturday, August 5th and remain open through Saturday, August 12th from 11 a.m. until midnight. Admission to the Thunderdome will be $10 during the AMD World Championship of Bike Building show August 5-7, $5 during the Rats Hole show August 11th, and FREE August 8-10 and August 12. The public is invited to meet many of the artists and motorcycle builders who will be present on Tuesday, August 8th from 4:00 – 6:00pm.
Metzeler Tires, a “Schools Out” exhibition sponsor, has organized its fourth annual Custom Bike Competition all day Tuesday, August 8th inside the Thunderdome. Custom motorcycles using any of Metzeler’s tires, from standard sizes to their super wide 300, will be welcome to enter. Following the competition an awards presentation will take place at which the best of show winner will be awarded an advertising campaign featuring the winning custom bike builder.
Also taking place at Thunder Road will be Rick Fairless’s Strokers Sturgis, The Biker/Penthouse bike show, the AMD World Championship of Bike Building, Miss Sturgis, The Texas Bikini Team, outside vendors, and more. Thunder Road is a part of the Glencoe Nation and is located directly in front of the Glencoe campground, which will be host to Rock’n The Rally, an event that will have over 20 national music acts including Big and Rich, Cheap Trick, Sammy Hagar, The Steve Miller Band, and Nickelback.
Thunder Road is located 3 miles east of Sturgis on Highway 34, and is home to the premier bike builders and vendors During Sturgis Bike Week. Additional information is available at www.thunderroadsturgis.com
ON LINE, ALL CLASS GAMBLING AND YOU COULD WIN A $7000 ENGINE–A HOT new RevTech engine for $50.00!!! That’s right, Bikernet and Hot Aces Casino are sponsoring a contest to win a new $7,000 HOT ROD, REVTECH engine. Just click on the link belowr, make a $50.00 deposit* you will then have a chance to win this great engine. Not only that, but make your $50.00 deposit and Hot Aces Casino will add an additional $25.00 bonus. So $50.00 = $75.00=A chance to win a new engine and who knows perhaps a jackpot or royal flush or a great day at the tables!!!
Click here www.hotacescasino.com register, make your $50.00 deposit and enter the code ENGINE. You will be automatically entered into the drawing. Drawing to be held July 14, 2006.
*see promotion terms and conditions at www.hotacescasino.com
Continued On Page 2
June 15, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
PARADISE BIKEFEST&BIKE BUILD-OFF–Join Pasha Hawaii, Budweiser, Pacific Rim Cycle, BMC Choppers, South Seas Harley-Davidson, Cycle City, Domenico’s, Mikey’s Speed Shop, Carr’s Insurance Agency, Big Fat Tatts, Rosa’s Ice Tee, and Island Tattoo on Sunday, July 2nd at Kapaiolani Community College for Hawaii’s biggest motorcycle rally ever.
Beginning with a press conference at 3:00pm on Friday, June 30th, at Honolulu’s Hard Rock Cafe motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of Discovery Channel’s “Great Biker Build-Off” series will join “The Big Schwag” from Discovery Channel’s Monster Garage, and Internationally celebrated motorcycle builders such as, Big Mike of BMC Choppers, the legendary Sugar Bear, Shannon Aikau of Count’s Kustoms, Puerto Rico’s Jose De Miguel of Caribbean Custom Cycles, and Shannon Aikau of Las Vegas’ Count’s Kustoms.
The Paradise Bikefest & Bike Build-Off will be held on Sunday, July 2nd, at Kapiolani Community College (KCC).
Sunday’s rally will begin with a memorial ride paying tribute to Jimmy Aikau (father of custom builder Shannon Aikau and cousin of legendary surfer Eddie Aikau), and custom builder phenomenon Johnny Chop who passed away earlier this year.
Beginning at 9:00am at Cycle City Harley-Davidson (600 Puuloa Rd), motorcyclists will ride to Waimea Bay for a short ceremony paying respect to two of the motorcycle cultures greatest motorcycle builders.
There will be no charge for the ride, but those wishing to enter the festivities at KCC will be required to pay an entry fee of $15.00 ($10.00 advance) at the end of the ride.
Once inside KCC, spectators and participants will be treated to Hawaii’s biggest motorcycle event ever! Along with some of the World’s top motorcycle builders and their bikes made famous on television and numerous motorcycle magazines, visitors to this year’s event will actively engage in the festivities by voting on the build-off bikes from Oahu’s own Nui Kauhane of Grumpy’s Customs and Noah O’Geen of Maui’s Hot Rod Alley.
These two builders have had just eight weeks to build their versions of the “Hawaii’s coolest” bike. Nui’s reputation as one of the top builders of the “Local Boy” style will be on the line when he takes on Noah O’Geen. One of Hawaii’s best up and coming motorcycle craftsmen, O’Geen’s creations has been featured on the cover of Hawaiian Chopper Magazine.
In addition to the featured bike build-off, a “ride-in” motorcycle contest offers local builders, owners, and businesses the opportunity to enter their bikes into the various categories offered for a chance to take home specially made, one-of-a-kind trophies, as well as other prizes to be announced.
Categories for the ride in show are, vintage (1936 & below), classic (1937-1965), shovelhead era (1966-1983), EVO era (1984-present), Custom Class (modified), Radical Custom Class (heavily modified), Rat Bike Class, Custom Metric Class, Street Bike Class, and Trailer Queen Class (bikes trailored into the event).
A bikini contest featuring some of Hawaii’s most beautiful women will be held on the main stage, with cash prizes being given to the top three. A registration party will be held at Panama Hatties (above Dixie Grill in Aiea) on Thursday, 29 June (7-10pm). In addition to registration party, Sensually Yours will put on a lingerie show, which is open to the public, and Bo Irvine’s Sharky’s Comedy Club will have great stand up comedy being performed.
For more information on the schedule of event, or how to register for one of the events, visit, or call 808-780-2998.
NEW WIDE REAR TIRE KIT FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD–MILWAUKEE (May 29, 2006) – The new V-Rod Wide Rear Tire Kit ($3,495.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories gives many 2005-06 Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod models the same menacing, full-fender look first offered on the 2006 Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod model. The kit includes a Dunlop D419 240R/18 rear tire to replace the standard Dunlop 180/55ZR18 74W tire, plus an 18-inch Reactor five-spoke custom rear wheel and matching Reactor sprocket, a chrome wide-tire swingarm, a chrome sprocket compensator bowl, chrome upper and lower belt guards, 38mm-stroke shock absorbers, and a primed rear fender.
No frame or powertrain alterations are required for installation. Rear fender color-matched painting service may be arranged through the Harley-Davidson Spectrum Paint Program. Add a matching Reactor 19-inch front wheel (sold separately) for a complete custom conversion.
A V-Rod Wide Rear Tire Kit is available to fit 2006 VRSCA and VRSCD models (P/N 43687-06), and 2005 VRSCA and VRSCB models (P/N 43820-05). A new Fender Base Plate Kit (P/N 51098-06, $129.95) fits the wider fender and provides the attachment point for upright and luggage rack options. See dealer for ordering and fitment details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
NEW ARRIVALS EXPAND STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM COLLECTION– June 2006 – – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is revving up for the summer season with the arrival of seven incredible new motorcycles on loan from Kenny Price, owner of Samson Motorcycle Products, as well as a new exhibit.
The Museum has just opened its newest exhibit entitled the British Invasion, showcasing giants such as Triumph, BSA and Norton. “Late last year Kenny Price loaned us two bikes rarely seen in this country, a 1928 Calthorpe and a 1926 Levis. That led me to think we should build an exhibit around the profound impact British bikes have had on motorcycling history,” states Executive Director Pepper Massey-Swan. “We’ve just received two more prime examples from Price, a 1949 HRD with an immaculate Garrard sidecar and a Matchless with an unusual two person, tandem sidecar.”
In addition to the new British bikes, Kenny Price has loaned a prewar BMW, a 1947 Indian with sidecar, a 1923 Indian Chief (introduction of the 1200cc Big Chief), a 1927 Indian Scout (introduction of the 750cc 45ci Scout), and an exceptional 1918 Indian model O.
“I’ve settled on so many Indian motorcycles because they are significant not only to motorcycling in general, but more specifically to the history of Sturgis,” said Massey-Swan. Pappy Hoel, founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races, sold Indian motorcycles from 1936 until 1953, much of that time at his shop on Lazelle Street. He was very successful at making the brand a household name in Sturgis and the surrounding area, even earning top dealer in the nation in 1947.
GEORGE’S TC88 SPECIALTY TOOLS–This latest selection of H-D dedicated specialty tools from GEORGE’S GARAGE were developed specifically to make wrenching on TC88 engines smooth and hassle free. A must for both professional and amateur mechanics these finely crafted tools feature the materials friendly to the tools application and hands on testing for precise function. Pictured here clockwise starting from top left are: TC88 Camshaft Remover and Installer ($102.95), TC88 Cam-Crank Gear Locker ($30.95), and Cam Chain Tension Unloader ($28.95). The Cam Remover/Installer allows you to remove and install front and rear cams.
At the same time it aligns the cams for a smooth press in and out of the support plate. Made of Delron to eliminate any chance of damage to gears George’s TC88 Cam-Crank Gear Locker secures the gears in place while removing or installing the nut.
Made of hardened steel and anodized black the Cam Chain Tension Unloader allows you to quickly and simply relax tension on the chain and then hold the assembly in that position by inserting the supplied pins from the front and rear.
For complete details call 909-843-7043. On the Web at www.georges-garage.com.
BOB MUSSO APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF DEALER DEVELOPMENT AND MOTORCYCLE SALES AT PRO-ONE– Strategically timed to coincide with the introduction of their exclusive line of OEM custom motorcycles, PRO-ONE is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Musso as Director of Dealer Development and Motorcycle Sales.
Having spent the last two decades involved in virtually every aspect of the industry, from enthusiast and builder to manufacturer, shop owner, and most recently Director of Product Development and Marketing strategist, Musso possesses all the credentials PRO-ONE could ask for in an individual filling such a specialized and complex position.
Initially Musso will be cultivating a select number of highly qualified dealers throughout the U.S. Once established this network of PRO-ONE dealers will provide enthusiasts with easy access to all the latest models and customers with the high level of service and satisfaction PRO-ONE has built its reputation on.
Additionally, Musso will provide new dealers with flooring assistance, guidelines for service and sales integrity and insight into financing OEM customs.
Musso’s thorough understanding and involvement in both the OEM and aftermarket is certain to provide PRO-ONE with smooth sailing as they expand their OEM Custom Motorcycle manufacturing and sales efforts world wide.
Potential dealers should contact Bob Musso direct on the PRO ONE DEALER DEVELOPMENT LINE at 1-800-605-9935 or
ON LINE, ALL CLASS GAMBLING AND YOU COULD WIN A $7000 ENGINE–A HOT new RevTech engine for $50.00!!! That’s right, Bikernet and Hot Aces Casino are sponsoring a contest to win a new $7,000 HOT ROD, REVTECH engine. Just go to Click here www.hotacescasino.com register, make your $50.00 deposit and enter the code ENGINE. You will be automatically entered into the drawing. Drawing to be held July 14, 2006. *see promotion terms and conditions at www.hotacescasino.com DEAL OF THE WEEK, FAMOUS SHRUNKEN FXR FOR SALE–That’s right the famous Bikernet Shrunken FXR, designed for the smaller rider is FOR SALE. This bike was specifically designed for the smaller rider. It’s a rare, Bandit built, one-off custom motorcycle-all new. Only $28,000 obo, (310) 830-0630, BIKERNET JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK–No. 995 – Use on all 2006 to present Dyna Engines. Use this tool to “break” the case sealant by pushing apart both case halves. Bolt (with supplied hardware) this tool to the primary mounting holes, hand thread-in pushing screw (do not use impact tools). Flywheels will be pushed from the left case. 2006 Dyna Case Splitter Tool BIKERNET READER REVIEW OF BASSANI DUALS–Just put Bassani true duals & slant cut mufflers on my 103″ Road Glide….WOW ! –Dusty ANOTHER DEADLINE DOWN–I hit the news way too early and I’m slammed, but it’s a fantastic day outside and I just timed and tuned my ’48 Pan. But first, above is a shot of an Indian Scout shooting for a record at El Mirage recently. He’s running in the same class (except open) that I’m running our Bonne Belle, 45 H-D Flathead at Bonneville in September. It’s going to be a happening event. Back to the Pan. It’s been running rough for a while, since the airing of the Steel Dreams Show. Just before taping we tore into the Mikuni carbs. They’d been sitting around too long and I needed a fuel filter. Since the Bonneville bikes are out to Foremost Powder Coating, in Gardena, I’ve had a few moments to tinker. I pulled the distributor and installed an auto-advance unit. I carefully static timed the beast, then tore into the carbs again. One accelerator pump was clogged. I adjusted the valves and she’s running better than ever. I even replaced my modified muffler with a complete retro Paughco job. I believe that’s all I know. Even more coffee won’t help. You’re not going to believe this shit. I’m going to launch an article on winter riding apparel. I know, it’s the goddamn summer, except in Australia. That’s where the article originated. Next, I’m trying like hell to launch new chapters of my second Chance Hogan book. Check ’em in the Cantina. By tonight I hope to have four chapters up and sizzling. Enjoy. More Bonneville Techs this weekend. Ride Forever, –Bandit
June 15, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
PRO RSD 2 INTO 1–All you lucky enough to be running a Right Side Drive setup really need to check out this latest header system from BASSANI. Dubbed the PRO RSD 2 INTO 1 this thing is as BAD as it looks. The layout features 1 3?4″ head pipes merging into a single 2 1?2″ True Reverse Cone Megaphone. The strictly business appearance is accented with a removable baffle element, brilliant show quality chrome, fully polished, billet aluminum end cap and an exhaust note that says it all.
The PRO RSD 2 INTO 1 is designed for use with a variety of RSD transmissions but you’ll want to call for details before ordering.
Retail for the new system is $680.00 and you can get all the fitment information by calling 866-439-4287 or visit them on the Web at www.bassanipipes.com
HINES RIDES INTO FIFTH CONSECUTIVE SEMIFINAL ON BOARD SCREAMIN’ EAGLE V-RODHines Cuts Points Deficit in NHRA POWERade Championship Chase– JOLIET, Ill. (June 12, 2006) – Not only did Andrew Hines ride his Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod into the semifinal round for the fifth consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle race, but he made the rounds count. The two-time defending NHRA series champion didn’t win the race on Sunday at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, but he sliced the points lead down from 36 to just 14 points behind class leader Angelle Sampey.
Hines beat teammate GT Tonglet for the third consecutive race, turning in a 7.125-second pass at 190.24 mph over Tonglet’s 7.163 at 185.54 in the first round of competition. He went on to beat Antron Brown in Round Two. Hines recorded a 7.081 pass at 188.73 while Brown fouled at the starting line on his U.S. Army Suzuki. Hines lost to Ryan Schnitz in the semifinal. Hines fouled at the starting line while Schnitz rode his Team Muzzy Buell to a 7.132 at 182.90. Schnitz went on to beat Matt Guidera in the final round for his fourth career NHRA National victory.
“It was good to make up a little ground in the championship chase,” Hines said. “We’ve been consistent on race day and have been to the semifinals every event, but we have a few things that we need to work out before we finish this three-race swing. We are making more horsepower, but we lost a little of our launch power and we need to figure that out again.”
The two-bike team is staying in Joliet an extra day just to do some testing before resuming the second of three consecutive races. The team heads to Englishtown, N.J., for the K&N Filters NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park this weekend before the O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals kicks off at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill., just outside of St. Louis, on June 23-25.
Team owner Byron Hines said the team needs to figure out a few things before resuming the current set of races.
“Overall the weekend wasn’t too bad, we just came up with the short end of the stick at the end of the day,” Hines said. “We only had three rounds of qualifying and that fourth round could have changed the complexion of the race, at least for our team anyway.”
Because of poor weather conditions, the team had just three rounds of qualifying this weekend instead of the four they normally have to prepare for eliminations day. Hines qualified third with a 7.029 pass at 190.48 while Tonglet was 14th with a 7.115 at 187.68.
“We might have been able to shake up the qualifying order and avoid racing each other in the first round, but it’s hard to say what would have happened for sure if we would have had another qualifying pass,” Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said. “Our riders have faced each other in the past three events and unfortunately it’s been in the early rounds on race day. We want to see both bikes going rounds on eliminations day.”
Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.
BIKERNET MEDICAL OFFICE PRODICAL–An attractive young girl, chaperoned by an ugly old lady, entered the doctor’s office.
“We have come for an examination,” said the young girl.
“Alright,” said the doctor. “Go behind that curtain and take your clothes off.”
“No, not me,” said the girl, “It’s for my auntie here.”
“Very well,” said the doctor, turning to address the aunt. “Madam, stick out your tongue.”
–from Art Friedman
FOUR GREAT RELIGIOUS TRUTHS–It is important for those of all faiths to recognize four religious truths:
1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God’s chosen people
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the ChristianWorld.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters
–Terry M Leebove
BIKERNET PHILISOPHY CLASS– * Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them
* Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
* If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probablyworth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warningto others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won’thave a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
* Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world to some people, but to one person,you may be the world.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty andsome are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but theyall have to live in the same box.
* A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
–Ramon
THE STURGIS GUIDE– This year, American Big Twin will be distributing the mostsought-after guide to the Sturgis/Black Hills Rally.
The Guide is more than just great coverage of Sturgis, It also covers events all over region, and enthusiasts will refer to it again and again.
AD CLOSING: June 23
MATERIALS DUE: July 5
CALL BECKY DEMMERLE FOR DETAILS!
800-225-4569 ext. 3163
mailto:bdemmerle@advanstar.com
HALL OF FAME BIKE UNVEILED–Last Sunday OCC showed up at RALPH WILSON stadium in Orchard Park NY. The reason, to unveil the “HALL OF FAME “BIKE. The bike will be signed by players of the hall during NFL festivities and auctioned off later. The proceeds to benefit HUNTERS HOPE, a charity started by JIM KELLY .
JIM’S son HUNTER was afflicted by this rare disease and has since passed away..RIP HUNTER.
Now back to the event, The weather was foul early that morning but clear skies rolled in around noon. Attendance was fare. A lot of speechmaking and back slapping for Kelly and Paul Teutel, OCC’s only attendee.
Also attending were members of the USMC PURPLE HEART SOCIETY, while the bike was a disappointment the overall event was not.
GOD BLESS THE TROOPS THAT SERVE THIS COUNTRY …
–TOMBSTONE
BIKERNET STAFFER ON TRIAL-THE OUTCOME–A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strong evidenceindicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense’s closingstatement the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably beconvicted, resorted to a trick.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all,” thelawyer said as he looked at his watch. “Within one minute, the personpresumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom.” He lookedtoward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked oneagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened.
Finally the lawyer said, “Actually, I made up the previous statement.Butyou all looked on in anticipation. I, therefore, put it to you that youhave a “reasonable doubt” in this case as to whether anyone was actuallykilled, and I insist that you return a verdict of not guilty.”
The jury, obviously deep in thought, retired to deliberate. After ashort while, the jury returned, and pronounced their verdict of”guilty”.
“But how?” inquired the lawyer. “You were proven to have had some doubt.I watched all of you as you stared at the door in anticipation.”
The jury foreman replied: “Yes, you are absolutely correct, we did lookin the direction of the door… but your client didn’t.”
–from Ray Russell
CHROME SHOP GETS NEW OWNER, CLEANS UP WITH NEW NAME, DIRTY JOE’S–Dallas entrepreneur Joseph Mauro has purchased one of the industry’s longest-running chrome and powder coating shops at 11702 Plano Road in Dallas. Mauro has renamed the company to Dirty Joe’s Chrome Shop and has immediately expanded the business with more than $100,000 in technology and other improvements.
“In the 25 years this shop has been serving motorcycle and hot rod customizes, never has there been an owner on-site managing the company day-to-day,” said Mauro. “I decided to buy the shop because being a longtime chrome enthusiast myself I knew the company had a strong following. I also believed there was enormous potential for an owner with a hands-on leadership style to grow this business on a much larger scale.”
In the last few months, Mauro says Dirty Joe’s has tackled everything from chroming a stovetop and barbecue utensils to jet packs and high-end airplane components. The shop also chromes for a list of celebrity customers, including stuntman Dan Schlund, better known as the “Rocketman” of the Superbowl games, fitness guru Larry North, and TV motorcycle personalities around the world.
Kids & Chrome ’06: THE WOW FACTOR!–People who missed the boat for last year’s inaugural Kids & Chrome event, SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM, during Sturgis week are scrambling to get on board this year. “Wow!” says event Director of Fundraising Bob Illingworth.
“Everyone in the industry wants to be a part of Kids & Chrome. People were amazed by last year’s event. First time out of the chute, it was classy and fun, with the opportunity to truly make a difference for kids. With over 100 sponsors already signed on, 2006 will raise the bar even higher–Kids & Chrome II will blow people away.”
Kids & Chrome is a fundraiser being used to build a new Children’s Hospital in Rapid City that will serve special needs kids from across the nationKids & Chrome banquet is Wednesday, August 9 at the Black Hills Convention Center in Spearfish.
Doors open at 5:00 pm for “meet and mingle” time with open bar, plus the chance to bid on a huge variety of silent auction items. A five-star dinner will be served at 7:00.
Tickets to the event are $175.00 each and can be purchased at www.kidsandchrome.com or by calling (605) 782-2331. Here are just some of the highlights of the 2006 Kids & Chrome event:
Presentation of the Teresi Prize. $100,000 in advertising will be awarded to an individual or company that has developed an outstanding product, service, design or invention introduced at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati or Daytona Bike Week during the current year.
Amazing live auction items! and drawings for two incredible motorcycles: an $80,000 custom by Jerry Covington, and a $45,000 custom bagger from Thunder Mountain Customs.
Scott Jacobs, commissioned by Harley-Davidson to create a painting of acclaimed racer, and 2006 Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee Jay Springsteen, has chosen the Kids & Chrome Wednesday evening dinner to unveil his new piece and auction off the first signed Giclee.
Artist David Uhl created a sensation when he painted the beautiful and complicated vision he named Ruby. He will rework his famous sold-out masterpiece and offer a one-of-a-kind version of Ruby to be auctioned at Kids & Chrome.
Jeff Decker, renowned motorcycle sculptor, has just announced he will recreate “Ruby” in bronze, one more time, in honor of Kids & Chrome. Jeff’s sculpture will also be auctioned off Wednesday evening.
Two signed guitars are up for grabs, one signed by country crooner Alan Jackson and a second by rocker Ted Nugent
A custom bobber from Desperado Motorcycles signed by the nation’s top builders will be on the auction block,.
A new fundraising addition to Kids & Chrome in 2006 is Billy Lane’s Builder’s Breakfast, set for Tuesday, August 8th at 9:00 a.m. at the Broken Spoke Saloon. Join today’s top builders for eggs and orange juice and have the unique opportunity to bid on some out-of-this-world silent auction items. Funds raised from the Breakfast will be presented at the event on Wednesday evening AND Billy plans to auction off his prized Discovery Channel Biker Build-Off trophy that night to raise more funds.
For more information on Billy Lane’s Builder’s Breakfast and ticket availability call 321.757.7262 or visit www.choppersinc.com.
There is much, much more in the works. Stay posted through the Kids & Chrome website, contact Bob Illingworth 623.544.2923 For more information on raffle tickets and event tickets, visit www.kidsandchrome.com,. PAY ATTENTION–Senator Dave Zien will be at Hal’s Harley-Davidson in New Berlin on June 27, 2006. Plan on coming out to support this nationally acclaimed motorcyclist’s rights legislator. Dave has authored every major motorcycle bill in Wisconsin since he’s been in office, on behalf of ABATE of Wisconsin. Now’s your chance to come out and hear him speak, see his motorcycle with nearly 1 million miles on the odometer and donate some cash to make sure he can continue to represent our interests in Madison. I’ll be there. Where will you be? –Tony Pan Sanfelipo RUCKER PERFORMANCE LAUNCHES HOT ROD DIVISION– With the introduction of Tommy Eddleman, Automotive Shop Manager, Rucker Performance has become the leading headquarters for high performance street rods and professionally restored vehicles. Tommy manages the procurement of all automotive parts and the production of hot rod and muscle cars from start to finish. An experienced automotive technician and parts sales veteran, Eddleman brings more than 25 years experience to Rucker Performance. Rucker Performance has the in-house capability to complete full frame off vehicle restoration and build brand new cars from concept to sheet metal and body mold fabrication, custom paint, engine modification and restoration. The Rucker Performance team always ensures that each owner has the best machine design, most innovative technology and comfort level. Tommy believes that there is always a way to make a car look and run better. Indeed we are doing just that at Rucker Performance.
BIKERNET REPORTER EMBEDDED IN DISCOVERY CHANNEL BUILD-OFF COMPETITION–I am in Marion IL. on my way to Two Harbors.I did a few more miles yesterday than I originally planned and now have only 783 to go.I will be headed for Chicago after breakfast.
–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
LATE NIGHT RIDE–
Turn Of The Key
Flick Of A Switch
Push Of A Button
She Roars To Life
Tighten My Gloves
Drop Down My
Orange Colored Shades
I Look Ahead As
The Headlight Shows Me
The Way
Burp The Throttle
Pull In The Clutch
Ease into First Gear
Rock The Throttle
As I Ease Out The Clutch
Taking Her Slow And Easy
I Head Down The Road
As I Try To Avoid
University’s Pot Holes
Turning On To 58
I Give Her A Little Goose,
Across A Patch Of Hidden Sand
But She Didn’t Come Loose
Out To Uncle Dales I Ride
We Talk About Choppers,
Rat Rods, And How
Wallcott’s Truck Show
Is Coming Up Soon
I Finish My Drink
Then I’m On My Way
Time To Head On Home
And Put The Bike Away
Until Tomorrow Brings
Another Day
— Joshua Griffith”
panheadjosh74@hotmail.com
Continued On Page 4
June 15, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
“THE THROTTLER”–Complete Throttle Management at Your Fingertips–The engineers at 50’s Boy have just announced the introduction of an updated version of their immensely popular motorcycle cruise control. Shown here, the “THROTTLER” offers the performance, comfort and convenience of a dedicated throttle management system and the safety benefits of Anti-Lock technology. That’s right, now you can experience the benefits of a true cruise control without the unreliability and hassles common to other aftermarket devices.
Easily and quickly installed over the grip of virtually any motorcycle, the “THROTTLER” allows you to throttle up or down instantly and safely. Designed and manufactured by 50’s Boy, the “THROTTLER” provides precise, at your finger tips, speed control with the associated benefit of enhanced fuel economy. The “THROTTLER’S” patented roller ball detent design, allows on the go engine speed adjustment. Eliminate dreaded hand fatigue once and for all and put the enjoyment back into those extended rides with the “THROTTLER.”
For complete details contact 50’s Boy at 866-542-1955 and visit them on the Web at www.50sboy.net
ROMINE TAKES THIRD NITRO HARLEY-DAVIDSON VICTORY OF THE SCREAMIN’ EAGLE AHDRA CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON–NORWALK, Ohio (June 12, 2006) – Mike Romine is making all the right moves to defend his Screamin’ Eagle AHDRA championship. The rider of the Harley-Davidson Top Fuel motorcycle earned his third Top Fuel victory of the season Sunday at the Roeder Harley-Davidson Buckeye Nationals at Norwalk Raceway Park.
Making his fourth final round appearance in the sixth event of the Screamin’ Eagle championship season, Romine rode his Nitro burning Harley-Davidson to a 6.460-second pass at 214.69 mph to top Tak Shigematsu’s 7.179 at 160.92. Shigematsu left the line first, using a .059-second reaction time to get a quick start against Romine’s .114 reaction time. Romine made up the difference by the finish line, padding his points lead.
Shigematsu qualified in the No. 1 spot for eliminations with a 6.419 pass. Romine rode his Salt Lake City-sponsored Harley into the No. 3 spot in qualifying with a 6.500 run, with Jay Turner qualifying second with a 6.443.
Don Stratton Jr. took the win in the Destroyer category, his second of the season. Stratton – the winner of the first Destroyer event of the season – beat Brian Fox with a 9.327 run at 141.46 to Fox’s 9.383 at 139.72. Michael Ray was the top qualifier, using a 9.250 run to take the No. 1 position going into eliminations. Stratton Jr. was second with a 9.278.
Eleanor Walker earned the victory in the SEP category Sunday. Walker rode her Harley-Davidson to an 11.514 to beat Josh Perry’s 11.591.
Bon Drapp earned the ET category win. He took off first, using a .023 reaction time to aide his winning 9.893 pass to top Robbie McCaa’s 12.649.
The next AHDRA event is the Kresto Pacific Nationals presented by Destination Harley-Davidson, Downtown Harley-Davidson and Eastside Harley-Davidson. The action kicks off June 24-25 at Pacific Raceways just outside of Seattle.
BIG DOG ROLLS OUT 20,000th MOTORCYCLE–WICHITA, Kansas (June 9, 2006) – Big Dog Motorcycles??, the leader in the high-style cruiser niche, the number two American V-Twin motorcycle manufacturer, and the largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles in the world, today unveiled its 20,000th motorcycle and named its 100th dealer.
The 20,000th production milestone kick started the company’s second annual Tornado Rally, Kansas’ only national motorcycle rally and was reached just twelve years after the company’s inception.
“The production of our 20,000th motorcycle is symbolic of the company’s success in the marketplace and the rider’s continuing demand for high style cruisers,” stated Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO. “Reaching such a major milestone, the first for any custom cruiser manufacturer, especially so early in our history, demonstrates the strength of the company, an unmatched level of manufacturing experience, and our commitment to the motorcycling lifestyle.”
Big Dog Motorcycles began in 1994 in Sheldon Coleman’s garage in Wichita, Kansas. Since then, the company has grown to 175,000 square feet employing over 300 building over 5,000 motorcycles per year. The manufacturer’s motorcycles, as well as its growing line of accessories, parts, and apparel, are sold nationwide now through 100 dealers.
“It’s with a great amount of pride that I look at our 20,000th,” Coleman continued.
The celebrated motorcycle is a 2006 K-9 with a midnight sapphire frame and custom patriotic graphics. A patriotic theme has donned all commemorative motorcycles. The bike also sports a 20,000th icon on each side of the tank.
“We chose the K-9 for such an honor because it was introduced this year, is our top seller for this time in our history, and won the V-Twin Bike of the Year award,” Messer explained. “In addition, the K-9, with its nine-foot long stance, aggressive styling, rear 300 tire, and a-frame swing arm suspension tremendously demonstrates our design capabilities and our commitment to market demands.”
Big Dog Motorcycle Number One was a 1994 Vintage Classic, a nostalgic custom cruiser built by Sheldon Coleman. The company’s 100th motorcycle was a 1996 ProGlide, a smooth-riding rubber-mount. A 1999 Bulldog represented the Big Dog Motorcycles’ 1,000th. Four years later, the company rolled out number 5,000: a 2003 red, white, and blue Chopper. The 10,000th motorcycle landmark was reached in 2004, represented by a Ridgeback, an aggressive rigid chopper-style cruiser.
“It took five years to hit a thousand bikes and just seven years to build 19,000 more,” Messer said. “This stunning growth proves customer acceptance of our motorcycles and elevates Big Dog Motorcycles to the leader in this highly competitive niche. Demand for custom motorcycles continues to rise and Big Dog Motorcycles, with its dedicated network of dealers, suppliers, and employees, is extremely well-positioned to get thousands more on the road,” Messer continued.
Employees began assembling the 20,000th motorcycle on May 18 and completed it on May 19. ESPN2 was on site to capture the entire manufacturing process, from the frame building and powder coating, to the graphics and motor assembly, to the final production and test ride. The segment will air nationwide in August 2006.
“The 20,000th motorcycle pays homage to the hard work that our employees put in every day. Their dedication and passion make it possible to reach all of our goals,” Coleman added. “A few have been here since the company started, many for years, and some just a few months. To each of them, this milestone assures them they work for a solid company and in an amazing industry.”
STURGIS RENTAL AVAILABLE–If your looking for a great rally rental 2 miles out of town in the Black Hills with a killer view and lots of property to park your bikes, check out this. $2800 for the rally! 3br 2 bth on 1 acre.
For more info call Mike Stevenson @ 818 8919055
BIKERNET PATCHES COMING, PLAN ESTABLISHED–Hey mate, lets get some patches happening for guys to sew on their riding vests and jackets.
I suggest (of course) my famous red patch, bright yellow letters, FTSL.
And for you and the folks fighting the EPA… LOUD…Let owners (who) Understand Decide.
I kinda like the LOUD one myself.
You can obviously fit the Bikernet name on the patches somewhere.
My old FTSL patch is about five inches long by two high.
A few guys on the forum liked FTG fuck the Government also.
I was also thinking of something more unique, better than a baseball cap, how about a military style beret with a bikernet logo on it?
Must be a military supplier who can sell them cheap in bulk?Then you just need an artist to design a badge?I’ll leave the color of the beret up to you.I like the bright red military police ones myself, would kinda takes the piss out of the Milcops also..LOL.
Hey it’s 5am here, I got to do something to keep busy.
–Laterz: Jaq.
BIKERNET.COM QUOTE OF THE DAY–“We change the world not by what we say or do, but as a consequence of what we have become.” – Dr. David Hawkins
RIDE TO WORK CAMPAIGN GAINING MOMENTUM–This week, the attached letter and proclamation template were sent to the mayors of America’s 260 largest cities. Ride to Work is asking for a mayoral proclamation of support for Ride to Work Day, and for free parking at all meters and municipal ramps on this day. Please encourage your city’s leaders to support Ride to Work Day by contacting them directly – by calling or forwarding to your mayor the attached RTW documents – and by sending your own message encouraging local support.
Your direct effort will make a real difference in the number of cities that recognize Ride to Work Day this year.
http://www.ridetowork.org/files/master/mayors/mayor_letter.pdf RTW Day Letter to Mayors (PDF)
http://www.ridetowork.org/files/master/mayors/proclamationtemplate.pdf Proclamation template (PDF)
http://www.ridetowork.org/files/master/mayors/proc_qa.pdf Q&A information (PDF)
http://www.ridetowork.org/docs/2005_trans_faq.pdf Motorcycling Fact Sheet (PDF)
Ride to Work Day, a 501 c4 nonprofit organization, can be reached at: POB 1072, Proctor, Minnesota, 55810 USA
http://www.ridetowork.org
218 722 9806
BIKERNET DEAL OF THE WEEK–Caleb here… hope the mail finds you well. If you get the chance let me know what your schedule is, I would love to scoot by your shop and bug ya some time soon. I’m pluggn away at a couple of builds, a ’56 Pan, an Evo and a rat ’72 Shovel. Just about done with some rollers that I will be throwing out there for folks to scoop up. I’ll pass that along as soon as I have some pics. The Blue bitch will be up for sale soon so I can finish these other projects, so keep an eye out.
–Caleb “cro” Owens
cro customs inc.
Venice California
310-923-2613
www.crocustoms.com
STEALTH REPORT FROM NC–We are burning the midnight oil here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS in preparation for The Horse Smoke-Out June 23rd and 24th at the Rowan County Fairgrounds in Salsibury NC., about 35 miles north of Charlotte.
We have been busting knuckles on Chopper John’s rigid, 93″ Sporster. It is going to be a cool bike, bobber style, 16″ Apes, handmade gas tank, handmade oil tank, handmade battery box, handmade sissy bar. I got 3 cuts on my hands last night but I really enjoy getting in the back and getting my hands dirty. “THE MEANEST” kinda frowns at me when I tell her that? We have until next Thursday to finish the bike and no matter how late we have to stay, we are going to do it. The frame and sheetmetal goes to Rusty for paint today. Last year at The Smoke-Out we were brand new and just getting our feet wet, this year we will have a STEALTH BIKE WORKS booth set up, stop and see us or give us a call at SBW 704-882-0889 or stop by at 14113 E.Independence Blvd. Matthews NC. 28104, you are always welcome!
Last night as we worked on Choppers John’s bike we got to talking about the last year since we opened and what we had learned. For me I have learned a lot from working in the back with Max. The guy is like an encyclopedia when it comes to working on bikes. He is a natural when it comes to wrenching. We are grateful to have him. I have learned more about people and human nature in the past year than I have my lifetime. Sometimes I laugh to myself about it other times I shake my head about it and other times I am just confused about it. I have learned a lot about myself too. I try to have more patience, something I have always been a little short on. I have learned that if you hang in there and keep on plugging away, good things will happen. I have learned to be grateful for what I have and not dwell on what I don’t. I have realized too that I am having the time of my life, sure it gets a little tight sometimes and sometmes there is stress involved but everything in life has some stress. I really can honestly say that I really would not trade places with anyone right now, not because of money but because I am doing what I love to do.
When I opened SBW I wanted it to be a shop that took you back to a simplier place and time. A shop to come hang out and have a good time, like our Friday night Biker NIght that we have every 3rd Friday of the month, just a time to kick back and talk bikes like I used to bo with my buddies a long time ago. The Biker Night thing is starting to catch on. I wanted SBW to be a shop that was about more than” how much money can we make.” I know we have bills to pay and so far we are doing it. I wanted SBW to be the shop that if you needed help to get your bike back on the road, that you would fell comfortable bringing and if you were tight on money, maybe we could work with you on that and so far we have and the people can not believe we do it. All you have to do is asked and if i feel I can trust you then we have a deal. I can usually spot the pretenders very easily. SBW is your basic “BIKER” bike shop, we have 3 or 4 different t-shirts, no clothes boutique just parts and bikes, that to me is what a bike shop is about.
One last thing if you have not attended The Smoke Out, don’t miss this one, there is nothing like it if you are into old school bikes!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
GIRL NEEDS HELP– I’m writing to pick your brain, if you have a minute. One of my girlfriends, Sunny Hobbs, is an avid NASCAR (and other types of cars) amateur/semi-pro driver. She’s been doing it for about 10 years now. She loves it, but hasn’t been able to get much sponsorship, so it’s been a side thing.
She was recently approached about being on (yet another) reality TV racing show. The producers got an initial slate of 50 participants, which they intend to whittle down to 15 via internet voting. We’ve all been voting our brains out, but Sunny keeps bouncing from between 14 and 17, and not closing the gap.
The email below just came out from the producers — if she gets some media airtime, she gets extra votes. Do you have any ideas? She’s done a couple of radio shows and some print articles, but because they were done before June 15, they don’t count for votes, and she’s out of references.
Given your background, I thought you might have some pointers. Here’s the voting link, FYI: http://www.racinforalivin.net/poll77/ Thanks in advance for any help.
–Chris
“CYCLE SNITCH” High Tech GPS M/C Theft Recovery System–“At last, a motorcycle theft recovery system that actually allows you to follow your bike’s every move, in real time. “CYCLE SNITCH” has combined GPS satellite tracking capabilities with Internet technology and cellular phone antenna coverage to provide owners with the ability to keep close tabs on their motorcycle 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Developed specifically for motorcycle applications, “CYCLE SNITCH” is a revolutionary theft recovery system that instantly notifies you, via cell phone, of unauthorized vehicle movement. Once notified the owner can go to a private web site, by phone or PC, and instantly and continuously track the bike’s exact location at that precise moment without dealing with a 3rd party call center! Compact and easily installed on virtually any motorcycle “CYCLE SNITCH” offers benefits far surpassing anything previously available for motorcycle applications. Here are just a few.
Exclusive software platform accessible from any Internet connected device provides constant real-time tracking and alerts.
Alarm Monitoring application provides feedback on an on-going basis and immediately alerts the motorcycle owner when something is wrong!
Geo fence sends an alert when someone breaches the security perimeter of the bike”.
Wireless notification!
No Police report required to find the motorcycle!
Locate the motorcycle anytime!
Service And Product are transferable!
Continuous location reports!
98% of US, Mexico and Canada covered!
Various configurations for custom installations!
Redundant cell phone coverage!
“DO NOT” have to deal with a 3rd party call center!
For complete details call 800-346-9266 or visit www.cyclesnitch.com on the Web.
WORLD’S FASTEST INDIAN MOVIE, STARRING ANTHONY HOPKINS, NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD THROUGH WHITEHORSE PRESS–Noted movie critic, Roger Ebert, called the World’s Fastest Indian “one of the year’s most lovable movies, Anthony Hopkins finds all the right notes to create one of the year’s most endearing oddball heroes.” If you missed it at your local cinema, here’s a chance for you, your friends, and your family to see it forever and at home! Order today and watch it this weekend.
Learn the full story behind the hit movie.Read Burt Munro: Indian Legend of Speed
The books author, George Begg, grew up on New Zealand’s South Island and raced against Burt Munro. As only an insider can, he recounts the fascinating true story of Munro and his obsession to race his 1920 Indian Scout on the salt at Bonneville at 200 mph. Includes many rare early photographs.
BILLY LANE’S BREAKFAST SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM GROWING–Melbourne, FL- Imagine sitting down to a plate of eggs and pancakes one morning in Sturgis this August when you look up from your plate you realize this isn’t a dream, you are actually sitting with the very best builders EVER having breakfast. How could they all be at one place at the same time? Billy Lane.
Tuesday, 8-8-06 at 9AM is when it all happens. We all know the builders are at the event, but never are they all at one place and for one reason. This event is quickly becoming history in the making. Billy has rounded up the best in the industry for the 1st Annual Billy Lane’s Builder’s Breakfast in Sturgis at the world famous Broken Spoke on Lazelle St.
Bandit from Bikernet.com will be waiting tables.
This event is open to everyone. Please come! Tickets are on sale now, only online ticket holders will be eligible to win the portrait with their favorite builder photographed on site by Sara Liberte.
ALL ticket proceeds will benefit Kids & Chrome. To get your tickets online, please visit www.choppersinc.com
Continued On Page 3
June 15, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
I learn something everyday whether I like it out not. I’ve just about fired up my new/old Delta belt sander and band saw. Here’s what John Reed advised about my poor blade selection:
You can get a blade welder, you buy a bulk length of blade cut it to length, put it in the welder and it joins each end, then you have to heat the weld red, and let it cool, to anneal it.
Rutland tools sell lengths of starett band saw blades in specific lengths,and come to a crunch you can get your saw blade the right length, grind each end so it chamfers to a razor edge about 1/4″ in on each end of blade,put some silver solder flux and warm it with a gentle negative acetyline/oxy flame until it melts, ( just under red) and touch it with just enough silver solder to let itcapillary across the surface, hold each end together with some flux, heat it, and it will join, and grind the side so its the same thickness all over.
I’m still trying to reverse the reversible motor for the belt sander. Check out the cart we built. First we had to wrestle it away from a local homeless cat. I better get to the news before I get into trouble. Then I’ll tell you about my ’48 Panhead tune-up:
SOCAL MOTORCYCLE LANDMARK BECOMES 100TH BIG DOG DEALER–Anaheim, California – LifeStyle Cycles is pleased to announce that as of May 18th, they have become Big Dog Motorcycles’ 100th Dealer! This major announcement comes right on the heels of LifeStyle Cycles becoming a certified S&S Pro Tuning Center. “Becoming the 100th Big Dog dealer is a really big deal for us,” said LifeStyle Cycles’ owner Mark “Junior” Skolnick. “Our customers have been asking for Big Dog bikes, and we’ve known they are one the premier brands of custom production motorcycles around. The timing for this strategic alliance couldn’t have been more perfect, and being the 100th Big Dog Dealer is icing on the cake! Once word got out, we had customers calling to pre-order Big Dog bikes from us ? it’s amazing!”
Big Dog Motorcycles feels the same way. “LifeStyle Cycles has an incredible reputation with both manufacturers and consumers in the industry, and we’re excited an honored to have them on board as a Big Dog’s 100th Dealer.” says John Nasi, head of Big Dog’s National Dealer Development.
LifeStyle Cycles is carrying the complete line of Big Dog Production Custom Motorcycles including the K-9, Chopper, Ridgeback, Mastiff and Pit Bull as well as parts, accessories and the Big Dog Motorcycles line of apparel.
LifeStyle Cycles 21,000 square-foot facility is located at 1534 N. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806. (714) 490-0155. They carry 5 major brands of custom production motorcycles, including Big Dog. You can visit them online at www.lifestylecycles.com.
FOUR CORNERS RALLY IN THE ROCKIES CHANGES LOCATION–The Four Corners Rally in the Rockies Motorcycle Rally, the annual Labor Day Weekend event drawing hundreds of thousands of bikers to the Four Corners Region the past thirteen years, has announced the 2006 event will be held at Echo Basin Ranch – West of Durango, Colorado. Each year the Rally has grown in size and the facility in Ignacio will no longer hold the record crowds that attend and the campers that want to stay on the grounds where the events are held.
Echo Basin Ranch is the same distance from Durango as Ignacio, but in the opposite direction. Echo Basin boasts better facilities, and more room with shaded camping on privately owned land, which will make for a better rally. Echo Basin sits to the North of Highway 160 between Durango and Cortez.
“I think it?s going to be awesome,” said Echo Basin owner Dan Bjorkman. “We have the perfect venue for this. We have a huge amphitheater that accommodates over 10,000 people on pastured ground, so even when there’s bad weather everyone’s not stomping around in the mud. We also have a lot of excellent camping. People can camp in the trees at the base of 13,000-foot peaks, over looking Mesa Verde National Park. We think it’s a great location, and we?re welcoming everybody who comes here for the rally.”
“Echo Basin is a fantastic venue,” Bradshaw said. “It will provide us with a far superior location and facilities, and allow us to continue all the activities that are a part of our rally. It is the same distance from Durango as Ignacio, so I don’t expect Durango to be affected by the move. Plus there is almost five times more dry camping area for RV’s and for motorcycle tent campers.”
For additional information, Contact Dan Bradshaw:888-901-7701, or info@rallyrockies.com
–The Rally
WINTER RIDING TIPS–We’re about to launch a story on winter riding tips. I know it’s summer, but not in Australia. Here’s a teaser:
Jack decided to go skiing with his buddy, Bob. So they loaded up Jack’s van and headed north. After driving for a few hours, they got caught in a terrible blizzard.
So they pulled into a nearby farm and asked the attractive lady who answered the door if they could spend the night.
“I realize it’s terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself, but I’m recently widowed,” she explained. “I’m afraid the neighbors will talk if I let you stay in my house.”
“Don’t worry,” Jack said. “We’ll be happy to sleep in the barn. And if the weather breaks, we’ll be gone at first light.” The lady agreed, and the two men found their way to the barn and settled in for the night.
Next morning, the weather had cleared, and they got on their way. They enjoyed a great weekend of skiing.
But about nine months later, Jack got an unexpected letter from an attorney. It took him a fewminutes to figure it out, but he finally determined that it was from the attorney of that attractive widow he had met on the ski weekend.
Later that day, Jack dropped in on Bob and asked, “Bob, do you remember that good-looking widow from the farm we stayed at on our ski holiday up North about 9 months ago?”
“Yes, I do.” said Bob
“Did you, e r uh, happen to get up in the middle of the night, go up to the house and pay her a visit?”
“Well, um, yes,” Bob said, a little embarrassed about being found out. “I have to admit that I did.”
“And did you happen to use my name instead of actually telling her yours?”
Bob’s face turned beet red and he said, “Yeah, look, I’m sorry, buddy. I’m afraid I did.” “Why do you ask?”
“She just died and left me everything.”
(And you thought the ending would be different, didn’t you?)
–from Art Friedman
WEST COAST CHOPPERS OFFERS POLISHING SERVICES–West Coast Choppers offers the same quality motor polishing found on Jesse’s bikes. Contact mailto:simo@westcoastchoppers.com and while you are at it visit our shop on line at www.westcoastchoppers.com.
BUILD-YOUR-OWN CUSTOM TANK–If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at custom fabrication, here’s a perfect starting point. Pro-One has just released a collection of WELD YOUR OWN FUEL TANK KITS that provide the perfect baseline for designing and fabricating your own custom gas tank. The kits are sold with components shown including side panels, bottom plates, tunnel, brackets and even a pop-up custom cap. Available in 3 styles, Frankentank, Tear Drop and Dagger Style, the kits can be modified and altered to your personal taste and requirements.
Retail on for the WELD YOUR OWN TANK KITS is $549.95. For complete details call 800-884-4173 visit www.pro-one.com.
BIKERPICS.ORG CHECKS IN–Thanks for posting all of those images & my banner. Last night alone I received 507 unique visits, which have to be a result of my banner in Bandit’s Cantina alone. They stayed on a while too, because the hits from those visits totaled 47,542. As soon as I receive your banner it will be hung, I’m not sure where at the moment, but in a great place. I have a meeting tonight with my I.T. guy so the page will look a bit different soon.
–Jack
J.McIntyre@Barthco.com>
TOPPERS FROM MR. BOLT–Did you know that those H-D fastener caps are available to the public. They make a line of fastener caps that are guaranteed. If you lose one, it chips or discolors, they’ll replace it. They are currently available through our fastener connection, DMP enterprises. Here’s more info:
My name is Derek and I own a fastener/metal finishing shop in Chatsworth, CA. We are a dealer for Gardner Westcott, Chrome Hardware Supply, Colony Machine and Midwest Acorn Nut. We also supply a complete line of stainless and polished stainless. We offer custom package kits for small to large companies.
–Derek
818 775-9804 or 1888 mrbolts
“DMP Enterprises, Inc.” info@dmpolish.com
NEW EXHAUST PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES–About 750,000 people die from urban air pollution every year around the world, and an estimated 75% of global air pollution is attributable to internal combustion engines. More countries are pushing forward on stricter emission control programs. However, to many auto manufacturers and drivers, advanced exhaust processing technologies are still hard to afford.
CAT-MATE and ZEFS, Save the World Air’s (OTCBB: ZERO) proprietary technologies are highly affordable and effective solution to reduce emissions from a wide range of applications that are powered by internal combustion engines. A series of certified tests have proven that STWA technology is effective in reducing emissions from combustion engines by as much as 98%, improve overall power by 19% and enhance fuel efficiency up to 33%.
ZEFS products contain permanent rare-earth magnets, whose strong magnetic fields induce a molecular change in the fuel, and hence enable the engine to achieve a more efficient burn, better performance and a significantly lower production of toxic compounds. CAT-MATE structures with specifically shaped steel rings that aligned with the flow of exhaust before and/or after the catalytic substrate, facilitates an accelerated heat rise in the converter. The engine then experiences quicker ignition and improved heat retention in the converter.
Both products are highly cost effective to the end user, inexpensive to produce and easy to install on a wide range of applications including: motorcycles, marine vehicles, lawn equipment, generators, etc. Earlier this year, a ZEFS device was applied to a Chinese-manufactured carbureted motorcycle and results surpassed EURO3, the world’s toughest emission standards.
Save the World Air has entered into several distribution agreements in the U.S. and Asia and will continue to explore opportunities in the U.S., Canada, Southeast Asia, Australasia, Latin America and Europe.
Web: http://www.ccgir.com
E-mail:Mabel.Zhang@ccgir.com
HOW TO INSTALL a wireless security system–Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men’s used work boots, a reallybig pair. Put them outside your front door on top of a copy of Guns andAmmo magazine.
Put a dog dish beside it, a really big dish. Leave a note onyour front door that says something like “Bubba, Big Mike and I have goneto get more ammunition – back in 1/2 an hr. Don’t disturb the pit bulls.They’ve just been wormed and are a little edgy.”
–from Art Friedman
VON DUTCH KUSTOM CYCLES SELECTED TO BUILD STURGIS 2006 BIKE–Von Dutch Kustom Cycleswww.vondutchkustomcycles.com has been unanimously selected by the SturgisChamber of Commerce to build the official custom bike for the 2006 SturgisMotorcycle Rally.
Von Dutch Kustom Cycles, with it’s winning bike design, theCruelworld Softail Chopper, was awarded this prestigious honor, beating outnumerous motorcycle companies, manufacturers, OEM’s and custom builders. Thebike, which has been built for the 66th Annual Sturgis Rally, will be raffledoff for charity through the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundationand Sturgis Rally Charities. Raffle tickets will be available online at http://www.sturgisrallyraffle.com.
“We are excited and humbled to receive this distinguished honor,” saysVDKC COO and Chief Designer, Alex Mardikian. “Von Dutch Kustom Cycles wasbuilt on the principle of ‘Kustom Kulture.’ We plan to use this opportunitythat the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce has graciously bestowed upon us, to helpeducate the motorcycle community about Kustom Kulture, and why it is relevantto us and our fellow bike builders and enthusiasts.”
Kustom Kulture is a movement that started in 1950-60’s car and motorcycleculture and continues today. The concept at the basis of this principle isthat everyone is an individual with their own sense of style that reflectstheir personality. Kustom Kulture is an ideology that allows people toexpress themselves through the artistry of their vehicles. Von Dutch KustomCycles has infused elements of Kustom Kulture into the bike that they havebuilt for the 66th Annual Black Hills Rally.
Visit Von Dutch Kustom Cycles online at www.vondutchkustomcycles.com.
ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC MOTORWORKS SUMMER PICNIC–Come join us on June 23 – 25 for ourFirst Royal Enfield Family Reunion andOpen House held at our new headquartersin Faribault, Minnesota. It’s just 45 minutessouth of Minneapolis on I-35W.
There is no charge for the event or for food,but you do need to RSVP to save a spot foryour self and/or your party.
Here’s the schedule:Friday June 23 Afternoon: Arrive at our fair city and attend the open house. (Dinner will be supplied.)
Saturday June 24 Morning: Technical sessions, tours, open house, garage sale, discounts on all parts and accessories, and free shipping on all items purchased here.
Saturday Afternoon: We have an organized ride on wonderful roads ending up at an Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show in a neighboring town (about 30 miles away) for an afternoon of fun.
Saturday Evening: Dinner will be supplied, door prizes awarded and fellowship had by all.
Sunday, June 25: Goodbyes and your last chance to shop.
Give us a call at 800-201-7472, or e-mail us atmailto:customerservice@enfieldmotorcycles to reserve.
All bikes and brands are welcome.
DESIGN-YOUR-OWN DERBY & INSPECTION COVERS– These latest DERBY and INSPECTUION COVERS from PRO-ONE allow you to design your own personalized covers based on a variety of interchangeable base caps and custom inserts. Machined from 6061 T6 billet aluminum and, show chrome plated or black anodized, the unique covers can be ordered engraved with the PRO-ONE design of your choice or with a smooth finish. Pick up a chrome and black base along with several different inserts and the possible combinations are staggering.
Super looks and superior quality make these unique covers the hot ticked for a quick change of face.
Applications cover 1970 through present models. For complete details call 800-884-4173 or visit www.pro-one.com
PRO-ONE PERFORMANCE BRAKING–No matter if you’re building a ground up chopper or just want to personalize and your factory ride, PRO-ONE has a unique brake set up to meet your needs. From custom engineered assemblies designed specifically for right side drive machines to an awesome collection of billet front and rear calipers and hangers these components offer the latest in high performance brake technology and sanitary clean appearance.
PRO-ONE also manufactures one of the largest selections of custom rotors. No matter what look you’re after they have a rotor that is sure to be “just right”. Check out these examples and give them a call at 800-84-4173 for complete details.
Be sure to catch their current line of accessories and turn key custom motorcycles at www.pro-one.com
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Copper Real Radio Bike from Orlando Florida.
Ride Hard,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:soffordphotos@comcast.net
AMERICAN IRONHORSE AND DALLAS MAVERICKS RAISE $23,000 FOR MAVS FOUNDATION– FORT WORTH, Texas (June 14, 2006) American IronHorse® Motorcycle Co. has teamed with the NBA Championship Finalist team the Dallas Mavericks to raise more than $23,000 for the Mavericks Foundation. The funds were raised through a four-month raffle of a Mavs-themed motorcycle built by American IronHorse. The lucky winners of the charity bike raffle are Jaime and Frieda Chacon of Rhome, Texas.
“The American IronHorse motorcycle raffle has helped make this milestone year even more special for the Dallas Mavericks,” said Donnie Nelson, President of Basketball Operations and General Manager for the Mavericks. “We are very pleased to have the community support of American IronHorse.”
American IronHorse also has a new marketing deal with the Mavericks, making it an official team sponsor with select advertising and ringside rights. The deal has already helped put the American IronHorse logo front and center in national media coverage. Outlets such as the ESPN TV network and Sports Illustrated Magazine have captured the American IronHorse logo during their regular season coverage of Mavericks games.
The Dallas Mavericks raffle bike will be appearing at various Dallas Mavericks activities in the coming months. It made a special appearance at the American Airlines Center on Sunday June 11 before the launch of the NBA Championship Game 2 of the Dallas Mavericks vs. the Miami Heat.
“We bought four tickets at a game during the regular season. I just can’t tell you how absolutely stunned we are to win this bike,” said Jaime Chacon. “We are huge Mavs fans and we’re so proud of all that the team has accomplished this year. I wasn’t a motorcycle rider before this, but I am now.”
The Mavericks bike is an American IronHorse® Legend chopper model with a custom paint scheme featuring the team colors of midnight blue, white, blue and silver, along with the Mavericks logo. This special edition bike also has a custom seat made from Spalding leather, a six-speed transmission, and a 111 cubic inch engine that produces 110 horsepower at the rear wheel.
Proceeds from the American IronHorse charity bike raffle benefited the Dallas Mavericks Foundation’s education and health programs for youth.
Continued On Page 2
2006 Paradise Bikefest
By Bandit |
After six months of planning, Hawaiian Chopper Magazine’s Paradise Bikefest & Bike Build-Off finished with an explosion of bikers, babes, and bikes. Billed as Hawaii’s biggest motorcycle rally ever… the event lived up to all the hype with nearly 4,000 people gathering at the Kapiolani Community College campus in Honolulu over the Independence Day weekend.
Along with featured builders Nui Kauhane of Grumpy’s Customs on Oahu, and Noah O’Geen of Maui’s Hot Rod Alley and celebrities like Sugar Bear, Big Schwag, Big Mike, Jose De Miguel, Harold Pontarelli, Shannon Aikau, Roger Kuwahara and harmonica great Kevin McKay, Hawaii was treated to a motorcycle spectacle of sight & sound that will be hard to match…
Congratulations go out to Nui who was voted build-off winner for his specially built, trademark “Local Boy” creation. Nui’s hard work, and dedication to the style he helped popularize was obvious to the throngs of voters who selected his bike over O’Geen’s ’41 knucklehead, which was definitely one of the highlights of the show.
With 10 weeks to build their bikes, the two iron artisans busted their asses to unveil some of the coolest chops ever displayed at a Hawaii bike event, and both can be proud for their effort.
With 67 bikes entered into the drive-in bike show, and nearly 1000 bikes, and hundreds of cars in the parking lot of the school at the base of Diamond Head, Hawaii’s biker community and general public merged to create a synergy not experienced since the 2004 Choppers Only show when Billy Lane, Indian Larry, Peter Fonda, Mondo Porras, Paul Cox, Jose De Miguel, Bandit, and a host of other greats joined Hawaii’s Ohana for a party unmatched before this year’s rally.
Over 30 vendors, and 15 sponsors showcased their wares, and celebrated Hawaiian Chopper Magazine’s 2nd anniversary with a backdrop of heavy music courtesy of local rockers Big Dawg, and Warner Bros. Recording artist Kevin McKay of the Warren Commission.
Events like the Island Tattoo Contest, Sensually Yours Bikini Contest, and the ride in bike show kept the crowd entertained until the Big Schwag announced the winner of the BMC Rolling Chassis that was given away by BMC’s Big Mike & Hawaiian Chopper Editor-in-Chief Steve Kalnasy. Congratulations go out to Robert Williams of Ewa Beach who had the winning ticket and pushed away what will one day be one of Hawaiian Choppers featured chops. Thanks for the contribution Mike. I expect that that chassis will be something that BMC will be proud of…
I am just now beginning to get my sanity back after one fucking crazy weekend, and I want to take a moment and recognize some of those behind the scenes people who helped me create a one cool party.
My partner Wanda Shipp, Mike Caswell & Pasha Hawaii, Big Mike of BMC Choppers & his brother Jason Rouse, Todd, James & the boys at Budweiser, Mario Medri, Bill Van & the crew at Pacific Rim Cycle, Mark Eli, Dan Franco & everyone at South Seas Harley, Domenico’s Harley-Davidson, Cycle City, Mikey’s Speed Shop, Mobi Pacific, Ryan Lau & the Tattoo Krew, Bandit & Bikernet, Steve Hoppis & Nancy Carr, Big Fatt Tatts, my brother Kevin McKay, Sugar Bear, Shannon Aikau, Harold Pontarelli, Roger Kuwahara & the brothers at Kustom Fab, Nui Kauhane, Noah O’Geen, Bo Irvine, Ed Canoy, Big Schwag, Kapiolani Community College and a host of others I am sure I am forgetting (sorry bout that folks)…
Finally, I want to give some props to Deacon & Chris Tronolone for setting the stage for me. Without their hard work in the past, the Paradise Bikefest wouldn’t have been possible…
Now with that event under my belt, I hope you will all join us for the Great Hawaiian Biker Build-Off 2 being held Sunday, December 3rd following the annual Toys-for-Tots run. December in Hawaii! What could be better???
Ahui ho,
–Steven Kalnasy
Editor-in-Chief
Hawaiian Chopper
Bonneville 2006–Salt Shaker/Bonne Bell 2
By Bandit |
We’re building two bikes to take to Bonneville for the Bubs International Speed Trials, September 3-7th, 2006. So each segment we publish may contain elements of both, the 1940, 45-cubic inch flathead and the first ever Sportbike Panhead designed by John Reed of Custom Chrome. It’s his V-Bike and we’re dropping a 120-inch Accurate built Panhead engine in it with a Baker 6-speed trans and tie the two together with a Compu-fire/BDL primary drive.
Since this is a learning experience for all of us, from several standpoinds, I’m going ask numerous questions. Hell, I asked anyone who will listen to me. I’ll watch the World’s Fastest Indian over and over. I may stop folks in the street. I asked John Reed about the fasteners supplied with the V-Bike from Custom Chrome. I had a couple of concerns. This wouldn’t be the ordinary street bike, but a rubbermounted scooter that we’re going to push as close to 200 mph as possible. We want it to hang together and especially of Valerie Thompson is aboard the beast. Here’s what John had to say:
I think because they are a lot bigger than they have to be, so I think they are quite adequate if you have washers both side, I usually change hardware on my own stuff, because I try to make them as small and neat as I can, like on race cars or airplanes. I like good quality stainless, so I can machine the heads and wire lock them without rust. I take things off/on a lot of times in the busy areas. I tend to use better quality air plane qty stuff if I can get it, I hate chrome hardware.
Tim Remus phoned me years ago and asked if he could come down and photograph my hardware stash because he was going to write a book on it.
”Why,” I ask?
He said, “Because you are anal.” I had never heard the word before, and I racked my brains to see if anything I had done before has come out of its closet and was going to kick me up my anal passage. I was worried. I am all mouth, but perhaps he didn’t think so.
He worked diligently for a couple of days pulling parts out of the screw racks, documenting and photographing, and I asked him what the fuck was anal, and who has been talking, etc. etc. etc.
He pulled out a little box filled with washers. He said, “What about these?”
I said they are machined, high quality stainless washers that are chamfered on the inner face, so they fit perfectly in the high quality stainless screw, hollowed in the head for lightness, with small holes in 6 places for lock wires.
“Where did you get them,” he said?
“I got them in an airplane scrap yard when I lived in England.”
“When did you get them,” He continued to question?
“About 30 years ago,” said I.
“Why haven’t you used them for 30 years,” Tim kept grilling me?
“I’m waiting for a special project,” I replied. “It’s a shame to waste them on something mundane.” I found out…… that’s fucking anal.
Axle adjuster on the Sportbike Pan
We installed the rear swingarm axle adjusters and were curious about two things. First I like a solid slider on the inside of the retangular swingarm to support and add strength. Plus the CCI chromed caps for the back of the swingarm didn’t seem to fit. John Reed filled me in:
They sell the kit with the OEM adjuster with the steel plate, you use the axle spacer with the thread part of the adjuster, but there is (or there should be) a billet cap which replaces the oem steel one with your hardware.
V Steering Neck
I also asked John if I should add a gusset to the neck. The frame appears very strong, but I considered a neck gusset. John set me straight:
I have never had any problems with the head, The frame tube is way thicker wall than needed. The lower tubes have a gusset below and the double top tube takes the weld round a lot of the neck. The FXR style big diameter necks spread the load round a larger area and are a lot stronger than the smaller dia ones used on Softails, etc. I don’t think they need additional gusseting,
I have had problems when I used the lower bearing straight on the lower tree, and I always put a spacer (about 0 .150-inch thick) under the bearing.
45 Flathead Frame Straightening by U.S. Choppers
First we put the frame on the table and leveled the table with a Starrett master precision level. This gives the table .001 accuracy. Then we began to level the frame to the table. Starting by the motor mounts we leveled the frame in both X and Y axis. When this was achieved we checked that the motor will sit level in both X and Y planes. Once it is determined that this was the case, we can assumed that the front down tube and the center post were in alignment for both X and Y axis as well as the top motor mount was parallel.
From there we worked back to the tranny mount. The trans must sit parallel with the motor mounts in X plane so as not to cause excessive chain binding. Working back to the rear axle we needed to determine if the rear chain stayed (the rear triangle) in alignment with the rest of the frame, especially in relation to the steering stem alignment rod. The rear axle must be directly perpendicular to the steering alignment rod.
Following this, measurements will be taken from the center point of the rear axle in relation to the steering alignment rod to make sure the rear axle stays are not swayed to one side or the other. This process will begin next week.
So far we have proved that the neck post, motor mounts and tranny are in sync with each other. Next the most important part will be examined… determining the rear axle position to the steering neck for frame bowing and alignment.
Hope all is well…. been thinking about this EPA deal. I'm with the MRF on this one and am planning on putting the questionnaire on my site for people to forward on- keep up the good fight. You’re one of the few who are persistently posting EPA stuff….. We need to stay on these assholes!!!
-Rick
U.S. Choppers
2039 S. Lyon St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-546-4699Appointments Only Please
http://www.uschopper.com/
Lone Star 2006 Rally
By Bandit |
The Lone Star Rally came at a very beautiful time this year. My wife and I had a sitter for the kids, we were both scheduled off from our jobs, and the weather called for three days of clear skies and beautiful weather. With our hotel reservations set, we departed from beautiful humble, Texas about mid-morning on Friday, November 3. My wife was riding her sleek little 883 custom while I was aboard my trusty Springer. We were joined on the trip by my partner-in-crime, Mike, and his lovely wife, Tonia.
We expected the rally attendance to be down again this year due to the fact the rally was held on opening weekend for deer season. I am not to sure about the rest of the country, but most men in southeast Texas, watch the calendar and count the weeks to opening weekend of hunting season. What made this year even more unique was, we had a cold front late Thursday evening that put the temperatures in the high 40’s, low 50’s. We only have a week of winter in my neck of the woods, and to have a cold front move in the day before deer season are nearly as remote as finding a true running Panhead with matching numbers for under 5 grand. Well, we were wrong in assuming the numbers. I guess all the Harley riding hunters figured they still have two months to hunt, but this is the last damn rally of the year, might as well enjoy the party.
We had an uneventful ride into Galveston, just smooth sailing. We arrived in Galveston and headed to our hotel room, The Best Western, on the Seawall. Now if you have never stayed in Galveston, it is a pretty straightforward set-up, street-wise. The turn-off from the highway takes you to a road that runs parallel to the coast; the Seawall. You can go for miles to the right or to the left, either way; it’s just beaches, hotels, restaurants, and fishing piers. Our hotel was on the seawall, which gave us quick access to the beach, food, bikes, and a view to die for.
After a quick meal at one of our famous Mexican food restaurants, we were ready to hit the Strand. This year, its fifth year , the Lone Star Rally not only ran from 21st street to 25th street on the Strand, but also had a section of vendors on the Seawall. This was an unprecedented event, considering the Seawall had never been closed for an event before. We decided to bypass the Seawall vendors and go straight to the Strand. We were not disappointed.
The Strand was once the upper-class shopping district in Galveston in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. A series of fires, hurricanes, and exiled heavyweight champion started the eventual slide away from Galveston.
We like to look for these signs as we travel. They seem to give us a sense of perspective and make us appreciate today. Look for them if you ever travel through Texas.
Today, The Strand is nothing more than a quaint little shopping district geared towards tourists looking for a taste of the old times. From a small old-time soda shop and candy store, to the brick roads with tram tracks running through it; The Strand is a piece of history placed into this century.
It didn’t take very long at all for the streets to get overwhelmed with activity.
Now I have read plenty of articles lately with the author complaining about yuppies, newbies, old-school, new-school, bobber, chopper, not a real biker, blah, blah, blah. I will not do that here. For the most part, the rally is filled by a bunch of people who all have one basic love, motorcycles. Everyone seemed to be having a great time and I do not recall seeing anyone getting too out of control. While the cops were on hand to apprehend if anyone acted completely out of line, I did not see anything out of the ordinary. From the time I arrived on the strand Friday night, to the time I left Sunday evening, the place was packed from front to back with bikes, beer, and people. It was a blast!
Bikes like this were commonplace. The only difference seemed to be the paintjobs. They are impressive, but seem to be “blending in” which is sort of anti-chop.
Another carbon-copy style chopper with an upgrade in graphics.
This green monster caught my eye and definitely displayed some intricate details. I was starting to get a little “crowded” at this point, so my options of taking pictures gets limited sometimes to partial, detailed, close-ups of parts of the bikes.
Friday night was filled with us traveling up and down the streets looking at bikes, drinking beer, and generally just having fun. I met quite a few people on Friday who were regular stiffs just like me who just happened to ride a Harley. It was kind of nice visiting somewhere that everyone didn’t associate themselves as a master builder just because they turn wrenches.
The Strand stayed busy throughout, and it was a constant parade ground for everyone to show off their bikes. While it is not Sturgis, it is definitely the closest thing to it in these parts.
The girl on the left is my wife, Salena. After buying her an 883 Custom in March, she has been slowly riding more and more. I am very proud to say she made it through the rally and all it’s “brewhaha” without a single scratch on her bike. She has become my favorite riding partner on the road as well as life. The girl on the right is her best friend Tonia. She is a rider herself, but after having a near-fatal, bike cartwheeling, whipping-through-the-air after hitting a car at 120 mph on a GSXR last year, she was a passenger this year. We all thank the Big Man upstairs for allowing her to be with us again this year.
this was a cool little chop that caught my eye.
The night life is approaching.
I was glad it didn’t rain. When it rains, the bricks and railcar paths get slick. I was nervous enough for my wife without the thought of her slipping down and getting hurt due to unusual conditions.
It was not uncommon to see the older crowd cruising along on their pensions.
Friday was pretty much a great, Sturgis-like, night until I realized I lost my Panoptx glasses. I was pissed all the way back to the hotel room when my wife realized she had lost her cell phone. I just got back on my bike, rode back to the Strand, and looked for her phone for another two hours. Talk about a buzz kill.
This was The Strand later after I went back. Pictures do not do it justice as you have to envision the sound of rev-limiters, popping engines, and an all-night party atmosphere. Believe me when I say the freaks come out at night. I laughed my ass off.
I went back to the room to find my wife and my best friend in bed together. Nah, just kidding. I was just giving ya a check to make sure you were actually reading this. Actually, they were all fast asleep and I came back to a very noisy (snoring) room. I only slept a few hours before I woke up and rode back to the party grounds to see if maybe the glasses or phone had been kicked to the side during the night. I was surprised to find the streets had already been cleaned and all the trash cans were emptied. It was only 4 in the morning! I decided to ride Galveston for a while and just relax.
Saturday Morning, November 4th
I took these sunrise shots from our balcony on Saturday morning. I am still learning about these digital cameras, but I think these shots look pretty great!
There is something special about certain rides. Each one has it’s own characteristics that makes it special to each individual, but every one reminds us about how special it is to ride. There’s all the riding at Sturgis, night riding on an empty freeway, riding through twisties, and then there’s coastal riding. There is nothing like riding along the coast on your Genuine H-D experiencing the exhilarating explosion of sensory overload. It’s times like that where I realize why people would move to the West coast and need to ride the PCH. It must be incredible.
The parking lot of the IHOP was as busy as any bike show I have ever attended. It was awesome!
This guy pulls up on this chopper like he had been riding it for thirty years. I tried to get a shot of him but he was obviously in a hurry because he just ran into the restaurant covering his face.
Although Saturday really melted over from Friday for me, I was pumped to get the day started. Upon my wife waking up and checking her jacket for God-only-knows-what, she found her phone tucked safely in the breast pocket. At least we were now only out 200 bucks for my glasses and not 450 for the glasses AND the phone.
My buddy Mike sitting on my bike at the parking lot. He rides a Geezer Glide, so I guess he wanted a chance to look cool. He failed.
Once everyone from my camp had woken and taken their showers, we ate breakfast at the local IHOP before heading over to The Convention Center for The Texas National Bike Show. While waiting outside IHOP for a table, I took several great shots of bikes zooming along with the ocean and sun creating only black silhouettes of cool.
Coastal riding, In the Wind, cruising, and whatever else caption you think fits.
Looks like a postcard or something, doesn’t it?
Heading over to the Convention Center.
The Texas National Bike Show
We entered the bike show and were amazed that the price was only ten dollars to get in. Besides having events scheduled for the better part of two days, Holly, the show’s promoter, had lined the hall with some of the sharpest bikes I have ever seen. Besides the bikes, there was beer, food, magazines, vendors, and last but not least, Darryl Briggs was doing actual photo shoots in the corner of the show. It was awesome watching a world-class photographer do his thing with the lovely ladies. I spoke with him and we will be putting together several more Girls of Bikernet features for the loyal readers of Bikernet very, very soon.
This bike was getting wheeled in while the model got ready to drape herself on it. Darryl Briggs was getting ready for the photo shoot, so out of professional courtesy, I contained my desire to also shoot pictures. Trust me; you will be seeing some of those shots very soon.
My personal pick or the show. Then again, I liked them all.
Kent Weeks, The Devil, was slithering around the center whispering sweet nothings laced with evil to a few of the models. I tried to keep my head down and shelter my wonderful wife as much as possible. While I did see some beautiful bikes, my friends wanted to get moving. I told Kent and Holly bye as I planned to be back later in the evening. Unfortunately, I never made it back.
The parade continues. Hey, I think that’s my uncle?
Picture of yours truly on The Strand. Notice what shirt I am wearing? Hmm…maybe a kickback for advertising.
Chicks on choppers…..nice.
An original chopper. Notice the old-Le pera seat? Too cool.
Discovery’s Biker Build Off
Chica’s build-off bike. He would later win.
There is so much going on during the weekend, it’s really hard to stay in one place. We ended up going to Willie g’s Icehouse and heading to the Harbor for some seafood. Mike and Tonia wanted to do a little shopping, so Salena and I just walked the line watching bikes and meeting people. On the way to Joe’s Crab Shack, we noticed Chica was standing by a beautiful new bike I hadn’t seen yet. We would soon find out it was an actual competition between Chica and Evil spirit Choppers for an upcoming episode of Discovery’s Biker build Off series. I met both builders and they both said they looked forward to seeing their mugs on Bikernet. I think they were pulling my leg.
Johnny and Chica!
Evil Spirit Choppers Build Off Bike.
I met Jay, a friend of Bandit’s, who had built a bike featured right here on Bikernet. He was very friendly and seemed as happy to meet me as I was him. We were told to be back at the main stage at 5 pm for the big winner announcement, which would later be Chica.
The Chopper King Hugh King. I think he was about to shoot me the finger.
I also met Hugh King and was surprised to find he isn’t near as kooky in person as what he seemed on TV.
Everywhere bikes could be parked was utilized during the weekend.
We ate dinner and decided to once again walked the Strand. That was the common theme of the weekend. Eat, drink, and walk the Strand. While there is some nice riding in Galveston, you feel compelled to stay close to the action because you never know what will happen.
Chica with his trophy
Saturday night!!! Party, Parade, and Pass Out!
The night time is when the freaks come out. You will see every type of bike and biker that is known to mankind. There are lots of women of all shapes, ages, and size walking around in some of the wackiest outfits you will ever see. I saw plenty of painted on outfits while we were partying this weekend.
She’s not wearing a bikini.
By far the cooling damn helmet I saw all weekend!
This was cool. The guy had a Paul Cox seat to go along with this Larry styled chop.
This is how the world began to appear to me. I am not sure if it was the deafening noise, the smell of rubber, the liquor, or if I was just drunk with joy, but it was time to call it a night. We left The Strand by Midnight, and were sleeping before 12:20. By the time I woke up on Sunday morning, we had one hour to check out!
Saturday eventually became a blur and the next thing I can recall is waking up in the hotel on Sunday morning. While I did stay in Galveston most of the day, my mind was too fogged to be of any use to anyone especially in the art of recollection. My wife and I rode home Sunday evening without incident (Yeah Salena!) and we went to bed exhausted from a wild weekend of drinking, riding, and partying. I do not know what rallies were like in the seventies, but my experience of them in the 2000’s is ok with me. I think I will definitely make this a yearly event.
Sunday morning on The Strand.
Hey, I’m trying to be like Bandit and gather my harum.